ble regarding the modes and purpose of heat therapy. 20 poits possible What is t

Question

ble regarding the modes and purpose of heat therapy. 20 poits possible What is the purpose of applying heat and how does it work? 4 points What is the difference between a heating pad, a hot soak, a hot compress and a chemical hot pack in terms of use and intended purpose? 8 points Hert pad cl c Why should the patient be instructed not to lie on the heating pad? 2 points Why should the patient be instructed not to increase the temperature of the heating pad 2/13/2018 4:03 PMLApollolvol:1ISHAREDNursing Medical Assistant MA124 Cinical LablChecklitshe Hot Therapy Handout.docx

Explanation / Answer

1. what is the purpose of applying heat and how does it work?

Heat therapy is also known as thermotherapy, is the application of heat by any means to provide comfort. It is based on the first law of thermodynamics, the energy can be transferred or transformed, but cannot be created or destroyed.

Heat therapy can be done by heating pads, heat packs, whirlpool baths, heat therapy wraps, hot water bottles and other means. Heat can be used as an effective pain management in self-care.

Purpose of heat therapy:

Heat can be used for relaxation

Improving comfort

Reducing the pain of different categories.

            Acute soreness of muscle, stiffness, fibromyalgia, bursitis, pain in joints, cramping, etc.

Relieving muscle spasm

Reduce inflammation in post-acute phase of healing

Drain abscess faster

Mechanism of action:

Heat produces vasodilation and increases the supply of blood to the affected area. As a result of vasodilation the nutrients and oxygen supply to the area increases, more metabolic waste products are eliminated from the area. Heat increases the uptake of the oxygen and stimulates tissue healing, it also aids in the activity of destructive enzymes, such as collagenase, and thereby increases the catabolic rate.

There are two forms of heat therapy dry heat (heating pads, dry heating packs, saunas) and moist heat (steamed towels, moist heating packs, hot baths). Heat therapy uses the Warm temperature instead of hot to attain therapeutic effects.

2. What is the difference between the heating pad, a hot soak, a hot compress and a chemical hot pack in terms of use and intended purpose?

Heating pad:

There are moist and dry heat varieties.

Categories:

Electric: Can be used as long as needed. But be cautious when using while sleeping. The patient should not lie on the heating pad.

Chemical: They can be moist or dry heat. Can be used even outdoors. The main disadvantage is it is not reusable.

Microwavable: They are small pillows like things filled with gel, form or even rice. Can be used by popping in the microwave and attain the desired temperature. It can be used safely. But the temperature may not last more than 20 minutes.

Hot soak:

They also can be of dry heat and moist heat.

Soaks used after immersing in hot water or can be used as hot water bottles. Salt can be used in hot water if instructed so.

Can be used in many diseases conditions like sinusitis, abscess, headache etc

Hot compress:

It is moist , thickly folded cloth applied to the affected ara to reduce pain an in some case inflammation. The temperature of hot water should be between 107° to 115°F (41.7° to 46.1°C), It can be covered with a cloth to minimize heat loss.

Chemical hot pack:
Chemical packs mainly used in sports medicine. Can produce the intended effect in short time.

Chemicals used are , calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate , sodium acetate

3. Why should the patient be instructed not to lie on the heating pads

While lying on the heating pad the heat of the body along with the heating pad pressed against the bed may cause burns. In addition to the above fact the heating pad needs to have air around to ensure proper usage.

4. Why should the patient be instructed not to increase the heat of the heating pads

Increasing the temperature of the heating pad can cause burns and may adversely affect the therapeutic effects. Prolonged use also is not suggestible. 20 minutes use and 20 minutes off time is advised

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse B
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.