Hot and Cold Applications.pptx

Fundamental of nursing

1. Hot and Cold Applications :

2. + Hot Applications: Hot application is the application of a heat/hot agents, warmer then skin either in a moist or dry form on the surface of the body. Purposes of Hot applications: To relive pain and congestion. To provide warmth. To provide suppuration. To promote healing. To decrease muscle tone. To soften the exudates.

3. Cold Application: Cold application is the application of a cold agent cooler than skin either in a moist or dry form, on the surface of the skin. Purposes of cold applications: To reduce pain and body temperature. To anaesthetize an area. To control hemorrhage. To control the growth of bacteria. To prevent gangrene. To prevent edema and To reduce inflammation.

4. Classification of temperature: Sl.no Temperature Fahrenheit 1. Very cold 32-55degree F 2. Cold 55-65degreeF 3. Cool 65-80 degree F 4. Neutral 80-92 degree F 5. Warm 92-98 degree F 6. Hot 98-104 degree F 7. Very Hot 104 degree F

5. Factors affecting heat and cold tolerance: Body part Duration of application Area of body exposed Damage to body surface area. Individual tolerance. Neurosensory impairment Age.

6. Scientific Principles: Water is a good conductor of heat. Air is a poor conductor of heat. The flow of heat is from the hotter area to the less hot area. Prolonged exposer to moisture increases the skins susceptibility to maceration and skin breakdown, reducing the protection of the intact skin. Moisture left on the skin causes rapid cooling due to evaporation of the moisture.

7. Cont… Presence of steam increases the temperature of the hot application. Oil acts as insulator and delays the transmission of heat. Woolen absorbs moisture slowly, but hold moisture longer and cool off less quickly than the cotton materials. The temperature tolerance varies with individual and according to the site and area covered. Friction produce heat.