Cold application details description

1. COLD APPLICATION
Ms. Saheli C
Lecturer
IACN

2. INTRODUCTION
➢ The ice cap, ice collar or ice bag is a method of dry
cold application.
➢ Single used ice bags are frequently used.
➢ The physician may prescribe dry cold; to treat a
specific area of the body.
➢ However ice bag is often used for a headache or in
emergency such as sprain or nose bleed.

3. EFFECT OF COLD APPLICATION
❑ When applied locally (to affected area); it
reduces the temperature of the skin, then the
muscles and joints.
❑ Effect may last up to 45 minutes after cold
source is removed.
❑ Restricts blood flow to the area by narrowing
the blood vessels (vasoconstriction).

4. ❑ Decrease inflammation, swelling and muscle
spasm.
❑ Reduces bleeding.
❑ Decreases pain.
❑ Causes a temporary stimulating effect.

5. METHODS OF COLD
APPLICATION

6. DEFINITION
1. ICE CAP/ ICE BAG:
The ice cap / ice bag is a
dry cold application to a
specific body part, which
has a wide opening that
allows it to be filled easily
with ice chips and salt.

7. 2. ICE PACK:
➢ It is also a dry cold application used by sports teams,
hikers and camping organizations.
➢ Sometimes, these can be refrozen, but only for one
patient.
➢ Most emergency ice packs release a chemical that causes
the bag to become cold; when a capsule is broken or
crystals are activated when the bag is shaken.
➢ They can be used only once.

9. PURPOSES OF COLD APPLICATION
• To relieve pain of muscle strain, tooth extraction and
headache.
• To relieve congestion / edema.
• Effective initial treatment after eye injuries, strains,
sprains, bruises, muscle spasms and burns.
• To relieve urinary retention.
• To reduce body temperature (101-102˚F)
• To slow or stop bleeding
• To relieve inflammation.

10. CONTRAINDICATIONS
Patients with-
• Hypothermia.
• Peripheral neuropathy.
• Muscle spasm.
• Client in the state of shock and collapse.
• Diseases associated with impaired circulation.
• Cold intolerance.

11. ARTICLES
A tray containing the following articles:-
• Ice in a bowl (ice chips if available).
• Water in small jug
• Mitten/Towel
• Mackintosh
• Salt
• Kidney tray.
• Ice cap with cover/ice pack.

12. STEPS OF PROCEDURE
PRE-PROCEDURAL STEPS:
➢ Identify the patient and check physicians order.
➢ Explain the procedure to the patient.
➢ Provide privacy and make sure the room is warm and
free of drafts.
➢ Arrange all articles at the bed side of the patient.
➢ Check for leaks in the ice cap/ ice bag.
➢ Record the patients temperature.

13. INTRA PROCEDURAL STEPS :
➢ Fill the ice cap with the ice
cubes.
➢ Use small pieces of ice
cube.
➢ Add salt to the ice cube.
➢ Fill the ice cap about one
half full and expel the air
from the bag, squeeze the
bag so that ice appears in
the neck
➢ Screw on the top, be sure
that washer is in place.

14. • Dry the bag and put on the cover.
• Expose only the treatment site.
• Apply to the affected part.
• Check tolerance of patient periodically.
• Observe for cyanosis / mottling.
• Refill or replace the cold device as necessary.
• Change the protective cover, if it becomes wet.
• Remove the device after the prescribed treatment period
(usually 30 minutes) or as per patients tolerance.

15. • POST PROCEDURAL STEPS:
➢ Dry the patients skin and re-dress the treatment site
according to the physician orders.
➢ Position the patient comfortably and monitor his/her vital
signs.
➢ Clean and replace the articles.
➢ Wash hands.

16. COMPLICATIONS :
• Intense cold may cause
pain, burning or
numbness.
• Frostbite
• Necrosis.
• Injuries to deeper tissues.
• Blisters and skin
breakdown.
• Grey, bluish or blackish
discoloration.
• Thrombus formation.