Vocab
Freezing or the effect of freezing of a part of the body
frostbite
hubbard tank
When is a person less tolerant of temperature change?
When a large area of the the body is exposed
What should you not do when your client is pregnant?
apply heat to the abdomen to prevent harm to fetus
Reduced sensation because of thickening of skin layers
Edema and scar formation
The widening of the lumen of the blood vessels
Vasodilation
Transfer heat from warm objects to cool and reverse
Conduction
person better able to tolerate short exposures to any temperature extremes
Duration of application
Monitor ___________ because they are more sensitive to heat application?
bony prominence
alterations in nerve pathways prevent reception of sensory stimuli
spinal cord injury
Limitedblood supply to a part
Ischemia
Excessive blood in a part due to a local or general relaxation of the arterioles
Hyperemia
Always make sure this is within reach anytime you do anything for your client
Call light
How often should you assess the site ?
Every 5 to 10 minutes
Very young; older adults
thinner skin layers increase risk of burns
older adults have decreased sensitivity to pain
Cloth or gauze, wet or dry, folded and applied firmly to body part
Compress
A moist flannel or similar material usually applied to an extensive body area
Packs
How long after a traumatic injury should you wait before applying heat? What are some other conditions should you wait with?
24 hours
active bleeding
noninflammatory edema
skin disorders
Least sensitive body parts
Least: foot and palm of hand
Body part
Heat is generally therapeutic, improving blood flow to an injured part, but what happens if it is applied more than one hour?
Blood flow is reduced by REFLEX VASOCONSTRICTION as body attempts to control heat loss from the area periodically removing heat source will restore vasodilation
direct immersion of a body part in warm water or in a medical solution
Soaks
Formation or discharge of pus
Suppuration
Damaged body surfaces have
exposed layers of skin that are more sensitive
Most sensitive parts
Most sensitive: neck, inner wrist & forearm, & perineal regions
Extremities less sensitive to temperature and pain because of circulatory impairment and local tissue injury; cold application would further compromise flow
Peripheral vascular disease
Ex: Diabetes or arteriosclerosis
Transfer heat by liquid, gas (air)
Convection
Abnormal accumulation of blood in a body part
congestion
What should you document?
location
type
length of the application
condition of the sin BEFORE and AFTER application
Clients tolerance
If a person's condition reduces the reception or perception of sensory stimuli, the tolerance to temperatures extremes is high, but ?
the risk of injury is also high
Physical Condition
What can continuous exposure to heat do to epithelial cells?
Damages them causing redness, localized tenderness, and blistering skin
Introduction of moist air or vapor into the lungs for therapeutic purposes
Inhalation
The constriction or narrowing of the diameter of blood vessels
Vasoconstriction
To Prevent deep tissue burns you shouldn't what?
use heat application over metal devices (pacemakers, prosthetic joints)
What should you not do if a patient is immobile?
Do Not Place heat under them because they have an increased risk of burns
Open wound, broken skin, & stoma
subcutaneous and visceral tissues more sensitive
contain no temperature and fewer pain receptors
Deliberate reduction of the temperature of all parts of the body
Hypothermia treatment
Transfer heat from warm to cold by electromagnetic waves
Radiation
What needs to be included on a prescription?
Location
Duration & frequency
Specify type
Temperature to use
What are you assessing skin for and what should you do if you notice a change?
redness or pallor
pain or burning
numbness
shivering
blisters
decreased sensation
mottling of skin
cyanosis
DISCONTINUE if any of this occurs or remove at a predetermined time
Results in reduced perception of sensory or painful stimuli
Confusion or unconsciousness
Invisible rays produced by the sun or with special equipment which cause tanning of the skin, kill bacteria, and aid metabolism of Vitamin D
Ultraviolet rays
Rays which provide heat produced by the sun or with special equipment
Infrared rays
Who is the most sensitive when it comes to heat and cold?
very young and very old
Age
How does prior skin temperature effect heat and cold?
body responds best to minor temp. adjustments
if part is cool and hot stimulus touches the skin response is greater than if skin is already warm
Highly localized, application of heat may cause rupture with spread of microorganisms systemically
Abscessed tooth or appendix