MA 100 Exam #2 Flashcards
(57 cards)
What are the examples of dry and moist heat and cold applications?
Dry heat: heating pad, chemical hot pack
Moist heat: hot soak, hot compress
—————————————————————Dry cold: ice bag, chemical cold pack
Moist cold: cold compress
What are the factors that may cause unfavorable reactions?
Age, Location, Tolerance, Impaired sensation, Impaired circulation.
What does local heat application cause?
Dilation of the blood vessels in the area as the body tries to rid itself of excess heat.
Why would heat applications be used?
Relieving pain, congestion, muscle spasms, and inflammation.
How should a patient be instructed to use a heating pad?
- The wires must not be bent or crushed
- Pins must not be inserted into the pad as a means of securing it
- To prevent electric hazards, heating pads should not be used over areas that contain moisture, such as wet dressings
What does local cold application cause?
Produces constriction of blood vessels in the area as the body attempts to prevent heat loss
Why would cold application be used?
To prevent edema after sustaining direct trauma, such as a bruise, minor burn, sprain, strain, joint injury, or fracture
How should a patient be instructed to activate a chemical cold pack?
Apply pressure until the inner bag ruptures
How should these be stored?
At room temperature
What is a cast and why are they most often used?
A stiff cylindrical casing that is used to immobilize a body part until healing occurs. Most often when a fracture is sustained.
How should the cast fit?
Snug while still allowing adequate circulation necessary for proper healing
How long is it usually kept on for?
4 to 6 weeks
What are the guidelines to relay to patients for proper cast care?
- Allow the cast to dry fully before applying pressure. Synthetic casts can bear weight after 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Elevate the cast above heart level for 24-48 hours to reduce swelling and pain.
- Move fingers or toes regularly to prevent stiffness and promote circulation.
- Apply ice to the casted area to reduce swelling; wrap ice loosely around the cast.
- Avoid letting dirt, sand, or other particles get under the cast to prevent irritation and infection.
- Do not use powders or objects (like pencils) to scratch under the cast as they can cause skin injury or infection.
- Avoid activities that could lead to injury
- Keep the cast dry. Cover with a plastic bag when showering and keep the casted limb out of the water if possible.
- If the cast gets wet, blot it with a towel and use a blow dryer on cool or low heat to dry it.
- Inspect the skin around the cast for redness, sores, or swelling.
- Do not trim the cast or break off rough edges. Use a nail file to smooth edges if necessary. Contact your provider if the cast is loose, cracked, or damaged.
What is the purpose of a splint?
To support and immobilize a displaced or fractured part of the body
What is the purpose of a brace?
To support a part of the body and hold it in its correct position to allow for functioning of the body part while healing takes place
What are ambulatory aids?
Mechanical assistive devices such as crutches, canes, and walkers
What is ambulation?
Walking or moving from one place to another
What are two types of crutches and what are they used for?
Axillary crutch: Assistance in walking as a result of disease, injury, or birth defects of the lower extremities
Forearm crutch: Long term disabilities such as paraplegia or cerebral palsy
What is the proper way to fit a patient for crutches?
Adjust crutch length so that the shoulder rest approximately 2 finger widths below the axillae
What is a cane and who are they most frequently used for?
A lightweight, easily movable device made of aluminum or wood with a rubber tip used by patients with hemiparesis, joint disabilities, or defects of the neuromuscular system.
What is the purpose of first aid?
To save a life, reduce pain and suffering, prevent further injury, reduce the incidence of permanent disability, and increase the opportunity for an early recovery
How should a cane be held?
On the side of the body opposite to the side that needs support
What is a walker and who are they most frequently used for?
An ambulatory aid, most often used by geriatric patients with weakness or balance problems
What is a crash cart?
A specially equipped cart for holding and transporting medications, equipment, and supplies needed to perform lifesaving procedures in an emergency
