Question

The nurse is teaching a client who sustained an ankle injury about cold application. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

1)Place the cold pack directly on the skin over the ankle.
2)Apply the cold pack to the ankle for 30 minutes at a time.
3)Check the skin frequently for extreme redness.
4)Keep the cold pack in place for at least 24 hours.

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to check the skin frequently for redness, wrap the cold pack in a cloth, apply ice for 20 minutes at a time every two hours, and not keep the cold pack in place for 24 hours but follow the RICE technique as part of the ankle sprain treatment plan.

Step-by-step explanation:

When instructing a client on how to apply cold therapy to an ankle injury, the nurse should emphasize several key points to ensure safety and efficacy. First, the nurse should instruct the client to check the skin frequently for extreme redness or signs of irritation, as prolonged exposure to cold can damage the skin. Secondly, the client should not place the cold pack directly on the skin but rather wrap the cold pack in a cloth or towel to avoid skin damage. Third, the recommended duration for a single cold therapy session is usually 20 minutes at a time, repeating every two hours as needed, to reduce swelling and pain. Lastly, it is not advisable to keep the cold pack in place for continuous or prolonged periods such as 24 hours. Instead, cold therapy should be part of an overall ankle sprain treatment plan that includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).