Final answer:
A complication from having an ice pack on too long is tissue damage like frostbite. Symptoms to watch for include numbness, skin discoloration, and hardening. It's important to apply ice in short intervals to prevent damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a resident has an ice pack applied to their arm to reduce inflammation, a complication that could occur if the ice pack has been left on too long is tissue damage, such as frostbite. Frostbite can lead to the destruction of skin, tissues, and underlying structures, potentially resulting in permanent damage if severe enough. Other signs that an ice pack has been applied for too long include numbness, a pale or white skin coloration, and a hardening of the skin. To prevent these complications, ice should typically be applied for short periods, such as 20 minutes on, followed by at least 20 minutes off, to allow the tissues to return to normal temperature.