Question

The charge nurse directs you to apply a cool compress to Mr. B's right ankle. You know that:

A. the compress should be left in place for at least an hour.
B. the skin under the compress should be checked every 10 minutes.
C. the compress will cause the skin to become very red.
D. the compress should be left in place for no more than 5 minutes.

Answer 1

When applying a cool compress, it is important to follow guidelines such as not leaving it in place for more than 5 minutes and checking the skin under the compress every 10 minutes. Monitoring the patient's response is crucial.

Step-by-step explanation:

The charge nurse has directed you to apply a cool compress to Mr. B's right ankle. When applying a cool compress, it is important to follow certain guidelines. The compress should be left in place for no more than 5 minutes, as prolonged application can lead to vasoconstriction and decreased blood flow to the area. The skin under the compress should be checked every 10 minutes to ensure that it is not becoming excessively red or cool, as this may indicate a problem with circulation. It is important to monitor the patient's response to the cool compress and make necessary adjustments accordingly.