Deck 8: Heat and Cold Measures

Question 1

The nurse may safely assign which activity to the assistive personnel (AP)?

A) Sterile warm soak to client's infected postoperative wound
B) Application of warm moist soak to client's left leg
C) Determine effectiveness of cold application to reduce client's pain
D) Responsibilities for the application of a warm pack to client's IV infiltrate

Answer 1

B
Explanation:1. Application of warm moist soaks to the client's left leg could be safely assigned to the AP as long as the nurse instructed the AP on the optimal temperature of the soak for this client. Sterile procedures must be performed by the nurse, who is also responsible for the application of the warm pack, even if performed by the AP. Assessing the effectiveness of a cold pack is the nurse's responsibility, and assessment should never be delegated to the AP.
2. Application of warm moist soaks to the client's left leg could be safely assigned to the AP as long as the nurse instructed the AP on the optimal temperature of the soak for this client. Sterile procedures must be performed by the nurse, who is also responsible for the application of the warm pack, even if performed by the AP. Assessing the effectiveness of a cold pack is the nurse's responsibility, and assessment should never be delegated to the AP.
3. Application of warm moist soaks to the client's left leg could be safely assigned to the AP as long as the nurse instructed the AP on the optimal temperature of the soak for this client. Sterile procedures must be performed by the nurse, who is also responsible for the application of the warm pack, even if performed by the AP. Assessing the effectiveness of a cold pack is the nurse's responsibility, and assessment should never be delegated to the AP.
4. Application of warm moist soaks to the client's left leg could be safely assigned to the AP as long as the nurse instructed the AP on the optimal temperature of the soak for this client. Sterile procedures must be performed by the nurse, who is also responsible for the application of the warm pack, even if performed by the AP. Assessing the effectiveness of a cold pack is the nurse's responsibility, and assessment should never be delegated to the AP.

Question 2

The nurse is preparing a hot water bottle for application to an unconscious client with thrombophlebitis in the right leg. Which temperature of the water in the bottle is appropriate for this client?

A) 100°F to 105°F
B) 105°F to 110°F
C) 105°F to 115°F
D) 115°F to 125°F

Answer 2

C
Explanation:1. The water for a debilitated or unconscious adult should be 105^°F to 115°F. For a normal adult, the water temperature would be 115°F to 125°F.
2. The water for a debilitated or unconscious adult should be 105^°F to 115°F. For a normal adult, the water temperature would be 115°F to 125°F.
3. The water for a debilitated or unconscious adult should be 105^°F to 115°F. For a normal adult, the water temperature would be 115°F to 125°F.
4. The water for a debilitated or unconscious adult should be 105^°F to 115°F. For a normal adult, the water temperature would be 115°F to 125°F.

Question 3

The nurse is instructing the assistive personnel (AP) to apply a warm compress to the client's knee. Which statement made by the AP would indicate that further instruction should be given?

A) "I can place the heating pad directly to the client's knee."
B) "I will maintain the proper temperature of the heating pad."
C) "I will inform you of any redness of the skin."
D) "I will report to you when the treatment is over."

Answer 3

A
Explanation:1. The heating pad should not be placed directly on the client's knee. This is incorrect and the nurse should explain to the AP the need to place a barrier between the heating pad and the client's body part.
2. The temperature of the heating pad should be maintained during the treatment to prevent adverse effects.
3. The AP must inform the nurse of any adverse effects that occur during the treatment.
4. The AP should report to the nurse when the treatment is over. The nurse will need to assess the client after the treatment.

Question 4

A client is prescribed moist heat to an extremity. Which approach should the nurse consider to apply the heat to the client? Select all that apply.

A) Hot pack
B) Compress
C) Electric pad
D) Hot water bottle
E) Aquathermia pad