Chapter 40: Therapeutic Use of Heat and Cold

Chapter 40: Therapeutic Use of Heat and Cold

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. The nurse is using cryotherapy for a patient with a sprained ankle. She is explaining the benefits to her patient. Which of the following statements made about the benefits of cryotherapy is correct?

a.	It causes vasodilatation.
b.	It provides local anesthesia.
c.	It increases nerve conduction velocity.
d.	It increases blood flow.

 

 

ANS:  B

The reduction in temperature creates positive physiological and biological effects such as pain relief, reduced muscle spasms, decreased nerve conduction velocity, and decreased inflammation edema caused by constriction of blood vessels.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Text reference: p. 977

OBJ:   Identify the effects of heat and cold on the patient.             TOP:   Cryotherapy

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Planning        MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

 

2. You are developing evidence-based guidelines for the OR. Of the following methods of warming patients undergoing major surgery, which has been shown to be most beneficial?

a.	Placing warm blankets on the patient
b.	Using a circulating water device
c.	Using a forced air warming system
d.	None of the above

 

 

ANS:  B

A study examining the best method to prevent hypothermia during surgery tested a variety of warming devices. This study noted that circulating warming devices were most effective in maintaining body temperature control during surgery.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Text reference: p. 977

OBJ:   Correctly apply heat and cold applications.

TOP:   Prevention of Intraoperative Hypothermia

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Planning        MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

 

3. What procedure should the nurse follow when applying hot therapy to a patient with muscle spasm in response to an acute injury?

a.	Apply the source for 20- to 30-minute periods.
b.	Allow the patient to adjust the temperature for comfort.
c.	Encourage the patient to move the application.
d.	Position the patient so that he or she cannot move away from the temperature source.

 

 

ANS:  A

When areas are prone to muscle spasm in response to an acute injury, you apply heat for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not allow the patient to adjust temperature settings. It is common for the patient to adapt to a temperature extreme and then think that the temperature should be adjusted. Discourage the patient from moving an application. This may cause injury to an unprotected area of the body and may decrease the effectiveness of therapy. Never position the patient so that the patient cannot move away from the temperature source.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Text reference: p. 985

OBJ:   Correctly apply heat and cold applications.                        TOP:   Applying Heat

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

 

4. When reviewing the documentation of patients on the unit, a nurse determines that one of the patients is at higher risk for injury from a local heat application to an extremity. Which condition poses this risk?

a.	Arthritis
b.	Renal calculi
c.	Pulmonary disease
d.	Peripheral neuropathy

 

 

ANS:  D

Patients with diabetes, victims of stroke or spinal cord injury, and patients with peripheral neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis are particularly at risk for thermal injury. Arthritis, renal calculi, and pulmonary disease do not increase the patient’s risk for thermal injury.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   Text reference: p. 978

OBJ:   Correctly apply heat and cold applications.                        TOP:   Risk for Heat Injury

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Assessment   MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

 

5. What procedure should the nurse follow when applying hot compresses to an open wound?

a.	Apply clean gloves.
b.	Cover all wound surfaces.
c.	Leave the application in place for 30 to 40 minutes.
d.	Apply an electrical heating unit directly over the compress.

 

 

ANS:  B

Pack gauze snugly against the wound. Be sure that all wound surfaces are covered by a warm compress. Packing of compresses prevents rapid cooling from underlying air currents. Sterile gloves are used to contact an open wound. You apply heat for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours. Cover the moist compress with dry sterile dressing and a bath towel. Apply an aquathermia pad or a waterproof heating pad over the towel.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Text reference: p. 981

OBJ:   Correctly apply heat and cold applications.                        TOP:   Sterile Warm Compress

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity