Final answer:
To control a hematoma, clinicians generally start with ice to reduce swelling and pain and limit the hematoma's size. Later, they may use heat to stimulate circulation and soothe tissues, or alternate ice and heat to promote healing, provided that the hematoma has progressed beyond the initial stage.
Step-by-step explanation:
To control a hematoma, a clinician may take several steps, depending on the severity and stage of the injury. In the early stages, the application of ice for 20 minutes, multiple times a day, can help with the following:
- Reducing the blood flow to the area, minimizing swelling,
- Reducing pain,
- Limiting the size of the hematoma.
Applying heat to a hematoma is typically recommended after the initial swelling has gone down, to:
- Stimulate circulation,
- Facilitate the healing process,
- Relax and soothe the surrounding tissues.
Alternating ice and heat may also be beneficial after the first 48 hours post-injury, to promote healing and reduce discomfort, but this should be done cautiously and typically under the guidance of a medical professional. Therefore, the correct answer in this context, assuming the hematoma is in a phase suitable for treatment by both ice and heat, would be:
c. alternate ice and heat