Applying a warm compress
For local inflammatory processes, warming and hot compresses . The purpose of the procedure is to achieve an analgesic and resolving effect. The setting of a warm compress and a hot compress is carried out as directed by a doctor.
Indications for the use of hot and warm compresses are:
- local inflammatory processes in the skin and subcutaneous fat, in the joints;
- inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media);
- bruises a day after injuries;
- myositis;
- post-injection infiltrates.
Contraindications:
- high fever;
- acute inflammatory processes in the body;
- purulent and allergic skin diseases;
- violations of the integrity of the skin;
- you can not apply a compress to the area of skin treated with iodine in order to avoid deep burns.
Applying a warm compress
Equipment
- napkin linen 8-layer or linen 4-layer;
- waxed (compressed) paper;
- cotton wool, bandage;
- ethyl alcohol 45% or water at a temperature of 40-45 degrees;
- tray kidney-shaped;
- gloves;
- disinfectant container.
Sequencing
After preparing the equipment:
- We wash our hands, put on gloves.
- We release the necessary area of the patient's skin for setting the compress.
- We prepare a napkin of the right size: it should be 3 cm larger than the area on which the compress is applied.
- Wet the napkin in 45% alcohol or in hot water (water temperature 40-45 °).
- We apply a napkin to the prepared area of \u200b\u200bthe body, firmly press it to the skin.
- We put compress (waxed) paper on top of the napkin so that it overlaps the size of the wet wipe by 2-3 cm.
- Apply the next layer of cotton wool so that it covers the size already the size of the compress paper.
- We fix the compress with a bandage so that it fits snugly against the skin, but does not cause compression of the underlying tissues and does not hamper the patient's movements.
- After 2-3 hours, we check the correctness of the application of the compress: put your finger under the 1st layer of the compress, if the compress is wet and warm, it is applied correctly. If the compress is dry, remove it and redo it again.
- We leave the semi-alcohol compress for 4-6 hours, water - for 8-10 hours.
- After removing the compress, apply a dry warm bandage to the skin area.
- After completing the procedure, remove the gloves, immerse them in a tray with a disinfectant solution and wash your hands.
Possible complications of warm compresses:
- skin irritation;
- skin burns.
When applying the compress again, first wipe the skin with 45% ethyl alcohol and wipe it dry. Between compresses we take a break of 2-3 hours.
Applying a warm compress is one of the essential skills for a nurse. You should remember the basic rules when setting compresses:
Warm Compress Layers:
- a napkin moistened with water or a half-alcohol solution;
- compress paper;
- cotton wool
