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.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

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.

What Procedure Should the Nurse Follow When Applying Hot Therapy