Term
| assessment before applying heat/cold therapy |
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Definition
–Body’s normal response to local temperature variations
–Integrity of the body part
–Patient’s ability to detect heat/cold
–Proper functioning of equipment
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Term
| effects of heat on the body |
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Definition
–Improves blood flow to injured part
–If applied for longer than 1 hour, blood flow is reduced by a reflex vasoconstriction
–Heat should periodically be removed and reapplied
–Continuous exposure to heat can cause redness, tenderness, blisters
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Term
| effects of cold application |
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Definition
–Initially diminishes swelling and pain
–Prolonged exposure results in a reflex vasodilatation, which can result in tissue ischemia
–Tissue can freeze
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Term
| factors influencing heat/cold therapy |
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Definition
•Duration of application
•Body part
•Damage to body surface
•Prior skin temperature
•Body surface area
•Age and physical condition
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Term
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Definition
For open wounds, sterile warm compress can improve circulation, relieve edema, and control pus/drainage
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Term
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Definition
•Used after rectal surgery, childbirth, with painful hemorrhoids, or vaginal inflammation
•Pelvic area is immersed in warm fluid
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