Author Question: The nurse working in the emergency department is preparing heat therapy for one of the patients in ... (Read 161 times)

azncindy619 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse working in the emergency department is preparing heat therapy for one of the patients in the unit. Which one is it most likely to be?

a. Is actively bleeding
b. Has swollen, tender insect bite
c. Has just sprained her ankle
d. Has lower back pain

Question 2

Which client does the nurse recognize as being at greatest risk for pressure ulcers?

a. Infant with skin excoriations in the diaper region
b. Young adult with diabetes in skeletal traction
c. Middle-aged adult with quadriplegia
d. Older adult requiring use of assistive device for ambulation

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

Answer to Question 1

D
Heat therapy is used to relieve stiffness and discomfort commonly associated with musculoskeletal soreness. Heat causes dilation of the blood vessels and improves delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. It promotes relaxation and is used to aid in the healing process. Applying heat promotes vasodilation and reduces blood thickness (viscosity) and leaky capillaries, all of which would be harmful to the patient who is actively bleeding. It can lead to a drop in blood pressure. Heat should not be applied to a site with inflammation (insect bite or acute joint injury with swelling) because it can increase edema to the site. A good application for heat therapy is to promote comfort and relaxation to the patient experiencing back pain.

Answer to Question 2

C
The client at greatest risk for pressure sores is the one with a lack of sensory perception at the site (e.g., quadriplegia). The infant with disruption to the skin from diaper rash is at risk for skin infection but not for a pressure sore. The young adult with diabetes is at increased risk for delayed wound healing but not likely for a pressure sore because he would shift weight in bed and respond to discomfort of pressure on a bony site. The older adult is normally at risk for pressure injury, but when mobile, even with an assistive device, the risk is minimal.