Final answer:
A commercial cold pack should not be applied directly to the skin; it needs to be wrapped in a cloth or towel to prevent potential skin damage while still providing therapeutic effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, a commercial cold pack should not be applied directly to the skin. When using a commercial cold pack for treating injuries, it is vital to follow proper guidelines to prevent skin damage such as frostbite. The cold pack works due to an endothermic reaction, where ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) absorbs heat as it dissolves in water, which can drop local temperatures to less than 0°C. To safely use a cold pack, it should be wrapped in a thin towel or cloth before being applied to the affected area. This layer acts as a buffer between the cold pack and the skin, reducing the risk of cold injury while still allowing the therapeutic effects of the cold to alleviate pain and swelling associated with muscle strains or sore joints.