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special procedures
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Eye irrigation | Relieves local inflammation, to apply antiseptic solution, or to flush out exudate or caustic/irritating solutions. Warm saline or water |
| Eye compresses | Relieves discomfort caused by irritation, inflammation, and/or infection. |
| Ear irrigation | Cleanses the external auditory canal. Small syringe and solution at body temperature. |
| Nasal irrigation | Soothe inflamed mucous membranes and washes away dried mucous, secretions, or any foreign matter present, Neti pot or bulb syringe. |
| Effects of heat | Vasodilation occurs for less than one hour. Improves blood flow to the affected area. Increases oxygen and nutrient supply to injured tissue. |
| Effects of cold | Vasoconstriction. Tissue ischemia due to decreased circulation supplying oxygen and nutrients. Decreases circulation; this can assist in slowing bleeding. Erythema, mottling, and numbing can occur. |
| REEDA | redness (errythemia), edema, ecchymosis (bruising), drainage, approximation. |
| Hot, moist compresses | Gauze moistened in warm solution. Increases circulation, decreases edema, consolidates exudates. Better conductor of heat than dry heat. |
| Warm soaks | Immersing a body part in a warm solution. Increases circulation, reduces edema, wound debridement, muscle relaxation. Allows medicated solutions to be applied to large areas. |
| Paraffin baths | Consists of a mixture of paraffin wax and mineral oil. Provides comfort for patients who have painful arthritis or other joint discomforts. Physical therapist administer. |
| Aquathermia pads (K-Pads) | Dry heat application. Safer than electric heating pads. 20-30 min. |
| Dry heat application | Larger than a compress and used for larger areas of the body. Commercially prepared pack provide warm, dry heat. Hot packs, hot water bottles, electric pads. |
| Cold, moist, and dry compresses. | Apply for 20 min. Treats inflammation and prevents edema. |
| Ice bags or collars | Reduce edema formation, reduce bleeding. |