A nurse correctly explains to a patient with a sprained wrist that cold therapy will relieve pain better than would heat by stating:
A) "Cold therapy decreases swelling and pressure on nearby nerves, which helps decrease pain."
B) "Heat therapy decreases swelling by constricting vessels and nerves, which can increase discomfort."
C) "Heat therapy decreases pain by increasing oxygen and nutrients to the injured area."
D) "Cold therapy increases the inflammatory process, which speeds healing and decreases discomfort."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cold therapy helps to decrease swelling by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation, which in turn reduces pressure on nerves, decreasing pain. Heat therapy can actually increase swelling and inflammation, making the pain worse.

A Nurse Correctly Explains to a Patient with a Sprained