A patient is diagnosed with a sprain to her right ankle after a fall. The patient asks the nurse about using ice on her injured ankle. What is the nurse's best response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ice is used on areas of injury during the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury occurs to prevent damage to surrounding tissues from excessive inflammation. Ice should be used for a maximum of 20 minutes at a time every 2 to 3 hours. Ice must be used according to a schedule for it to be effective and not be overused. Using ice more often or for longer periods of time can cause additional tissue damage. Ice is recommended to inhibit the inflammatory process from damaging surrounding tissue.

A Patient Is Diagnosed with a Sprain to Her Right