Author Question: The nurse is educating the patient about the use of heat/cold therapy at home. The following ... (Read 28 times)

HudsonKB16 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is educating the patient about the use of heat/cold therapy at home. The following statement by the patient indicates the need for further education?

a. I should fill my ice bag 2/3 full of ice.
b. I should use distilled water in my Aqua-K pad.
c. I can warm up my hot pack in the microwave.
d. I should check the order for how long to leave the compress on.

Question 2

The nurse is performing a wet/damp to dry dressing change when the patient begins to complain of severe pain. What should the nurse do first?

a. Notify the physician.
b. Notify the wound care nurse.
c. Stop the procedure.
d. Give the patient pain medication.

Dunkey · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Warm compresses and water for soaks should not be heated in the microwave unless the product and microwave are specifically designed for this type of heating. Ice bags are filled two thirds full, distilled water is used in Aqua-K pads, and application time for heat is as stated in the PCP order (for cold, it is a maximum of 20 to 30 minutes).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
If the patient is complaining of severe pain, the nurse should first stop the procedure and then determine if the pain is new or preexisting. Then the nurse can determine what to do next based on the patient's response.