Heat applications
What do heat do to blood vessels?
1.Dilates blood vessels by Increasing blood flow
2. Promote healing
What do cold applications do to the blood vessels?
1.Constrict blood vessels and relieves pain
2. Decrease swelling and inflammation
What is considered a chemical restraint?
Medication.
What is the CNA's job in admission?
Introduce self, weight, orientate resident to room, Vital signs, let know meal times, introduce to room mate.
Examples of heat applications.
Warm soaks, aquamatic K-pad, disposable warm pack.
What are examples of cold applications?
Ice bag, frozen gel pack, disposable cold pack.
What are examples of restraints?
Bed rails, a chair with a table over it, trunk and limb restraints.
What might you as a CNA anticipate related to admission of the resident?
Family/ residents are dealing with emotions, anxious anger, and guilt.
Should diabetics use a heating pad?
No, due to decreased circulation, diabetics are not able to feel the warmth of a heating pad.
How do you apply cold to the skin?
Protect the skin by covering the cold pack with a cloth.
What are alternatives to restraints?
Bed sensors, music therapy, distractions, wander monitor.
What is your job when family/resident are voicing concerns?
Listen.
Can you just apply a heating pad on a patient/resident if they ask yo to?
No, you need a doctor's order.
When should you remove the cold pack?
If skin is blanched, very pale, white or bluish. Notify your charge nurse.
What needs to happen before a restraints is applied?
Need a doctor's order.
What is your job as a CNA with transfer?
Gather all belongings together. Assist to the car per w/c.
How long should heat applications be left on and what is the time frame you check the skin?
Leave on no longer than 20 minutes and check skin every 5 minutes.
How often do you check cold packs?
Check skin 10 minute intervals.
How often do you check restraints and remove?
Check every 15-30 minutes, remove every 2 hours.
Before a patient or resident is transferred or discharge what is needed?
Doctor's order.