This is part of the Nursing Skills powerpoints and is supposed to appear on the first test.

1. Therapeutic Effects of Heat and Cold Applications Facilitates removal of waste & toxins. Produces a local warming effect. Increases absorption of fluid by capillaries & promotes removal of excess fluid from interstitial spaces, Increases capillary permeability Increases delivery of oxygen & nutrients, leukocytes, antibodies to facilitate the inflammatory process. Decreases blood viscosity Increases tissue metabolism Improve blood flow Promote vasodilation Heat Therapy Therapeutic Benefits Physiological Responses

2. Decreases blood flow to site of injury, thereby decreasing inflammation & edema formation. Decreases blood flow, facilitating clotting & control of bleeding. Reduces oxygen consumption of tissues. Raises pain threshold Promotes vasoconstriction Increases blood viscosity Decreases tissue metabolism has a local anesthetic effect Decreases muscle tension Cold Therapy thereby reducing edema Promotes muscle relaxation & decreases pain from spasm or stiffness. Therapeutic Benefits Physiological Responses

5. Legal Aspects 4. Leave on only as ordered. 6. If patient is injured, you can be sued. 1. Always check the order and check hospital or agency's policy. 2. Assess client, especially his/her skin prior to application. 3. Check as frequency as needed depending on type of application, but at least q1h 5. Document: a. treatment used b. how patient tolerated procedure c. how skin looked afterwards