Question

The nurse should anticipate that cold therapy is most effective for which patient ailments? Select all that apply.

A. Spastic lower back pain
B. Dull, throbbing headache
C. Muscle pain after ambulation
D. Post-gynecologic procedures
E. Pleuritic chest pain

Answer 1

Cold therapy is most effective for muscle pain after ambulation, post-gynecologic procedures, and pleuritic chest pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, can be effective for certain patient ailments. The nurse should anticipate that cold therapy is most effective for the following patient ailments:

1. Muscle pain after ambulation: Cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and relieve muscle soreness after physical activity.
2. Post-gynecologic procedures: Cold therapy can be used to reduce swelling and discomfort after gynecologic procedures.
3. Pleuritic chest pain: Cold therapy can help alleviate pleuritic chest pain, which is characterized by sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing and can be caused by inflammation of the pleura.

Spastic lower back pain and dull, throbbing headache are not typically addressed with cold therapy. Lower back pain may be better managed with heat therapy or other interventions specific to the cause of the pain. Dull, throbbing headaches may require different treatments depending on the underlying cause.