Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Home Nursing/Answer Key"
From Pathfinder Wiki
< AY Honors | Home NursingAY Honors/Home Nursing/Answer Key
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | + | A '''heating pad''' is a pad used for warming of parts of the body in order to manage [[Pain and nociception|pain]]. Localized application of heat causes the blood vessels in that area to [[vasodilator|dilate]], enhancing [[perfusion]] to the targeted tissue. Types of heating pads include [[electric|electrical]], [[chemical]] and [[hot water bottle]]s. | |
| − | ''' | ||
| − | == | + | ==Types== |
| − | + | ===Electrical=== | |
| + | Electric pads usually operate from household current and must have protections against overheating. | ||
| − | + | A '''moist heating pad''' is used dry on the users skin. These pads register temperatures from 170 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (76 to 82 °C) and are intended for deep tissue treatment and can be dangerous if left turned on unattended. Moist heating pads are used mainly by physical therapists but can be found for home use. A moist cloth can be added with a stupe cover to ad more moisture to the treatment. | |
| − | == | + | ===Chemical=== |
| − | + | Chemical pads employ a chemical heat reservoir or a one-time chemical reaction such as [[catalyst|catalyzed]] [[rusting]] of [[iron]]. | |
| − | + | [[image:Hand warmer.jpg|right|thumb|A sodium acetate heat pad]] | |
| + | A '''sodium acetate heat pad''' contains a [[supersaturated]] solution of [[sodium acetate]] (CH<sub>3</sub>COONa) that heats when the [[crystallization]] process is started by pressing a piece of metal that is embedded in the liquid. | ||
| + | Because the liquid is [[supersaturated]], pressing the metal makes the solution crystallize suddenly, thereby releasing the energy of the crystal lattice. See [[sodium acetate]] for a more technical discussion. | ||
| − | + | The heat is released on solidification, which is triggered by flexing a (patented <ref>[http://www.sfu.ca/physics/ugrad/courses/teaching_resources/demoindex/thermal/th4c/patentheatpack.html Physics course on thermal heat packs]</ref>) small flat disc of notched [[ferrous]] metal which releases very tiny adhered crystals of sodium acetate<ref>[http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/108065684/ABSTRACT Article on sodium acetate]</ref> into the solution which then act as [[nucleation]] sites for the recrystallization of the remainder of the salt solution. | |
| − | </ref> | ||
| − | + | The pad can be reused by placing it in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, which redissolves the sodium acetate in the contained water and recreates a supersaturated solution. Once the pad has returned to room temperature it can be triggered again. Triggering the pad before it has reached room temperature results in the pad reaching a lower peak temperature, as compared to waiting until it had completely cooled. | |
| − | The | ||
| − | + | ==High specific-heat capacity materials== | |
| + | Heating packs can also be made by filling a container with a material that has a high [[specific heat capacity]], which then gradually releases the heat over time. A hot water bottle is the most familiar example of this type of heating pad. | ||
| − | + | A '''microwavable heating pad''' is a heating pad that is warmed by placing it in a [[microwave oven]] before use. Microwavable heating pads are typically made out of a thick insulative fabric such as flannel and filled with grains such as [[buckwheat]] or [[flax seed]]. Due to their relative simplicity to make, they are frequently sewn by hand, often with a custom shape to fit the intended area of use. These types of pads have been known to ignite during or after the microwave process and cause fires. | |
| − | + | Often, [[aroma compound|aromatic compound]]s will also be added to the filler mixture to create a pleasant or soothing smell when heated. The source of these can vary significantly, ranging from adding [[essential oil]]s to ground up [[spices]] such as [[clove]]s and [[nutmeg]], or even dried [[rose]] petals. | |
| − | + | == Function == | |
| + | Many episodes of pain come from [[muscle]] exertion or strain, which creates tension in the muscles and [[soft tissue]]s. This tension can constrict [[circulatory system|circulation]], sending pain signals to the [[brain]]. Heat application eases pain by: | ||
| − | + | * dilating the [[blood vessel]]s surrounding the painful area. Increased [[blood]] flow provides additional [[oxygen]] and nutrients to help heal the damaged muscle tissue. | |
| − | + | * stimulating sensation in the [[skin]] and therefore decreasing the pain signals being transmitted to the brain | |
| − | + | * increasing the flexibility (and decreasing painful stiffness) of soft tissues surrounding the injured area, including muscles and [[connective tissue]]. | |
| − | + | As many heating pads are portable, heat may be applied as needed at home, at work, or while traveling. Some physicians recommend alternating heat and [[ice]] for [[pain management|pain relief]]. ''As with any pain treatment, a physician should be consulted prior to beginning treatment.'' | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| − | * [[ | + | *[[Hand warmer]] |
| − | * [ | + | * Portable electric footwarmer mats [http://www.speedheat.com.au/speedheat-floor-heating-products/heated-foot-mats.html] |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | ==References== | + | == References == |
| + | * [http://www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/heat_therapy/heat_therapy01.html Benefits of heat therapy for lower back pain] | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
| − | + | [[Category:Medical treatments]] | |
| − | + | [[Category:Medical equipment]] | |
| − | + | [[Category:Heat]] | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | [[de: | + | [[de:Wärmekissen]] |
| − | [[ | + | [[nl:Natriumacetaat-verwarmertje]] |
| − | |||
Revision as of 05:37, 13 March 2007
A heating pad is a pad used for warming of parts of the body in order to manage pain. Localized application of heat causes the blood vessels in that area to dilate, enhancing perfusion to the targeted tissue. Types of heating pads include electrical, chemical and hot water bottles.
Types
Electrical
Electric pads usually operate from household current and must have protections against overheating.
A moist heating pad is used dry on the users skin. These pads register temperatures from 170 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (76 to 82 °C) and are intended for deep tissue treatment and can be dangerous if left turned on unattended. Moist heating pads are used mainly by physical therapists but can be found for home use. A moist cloth can be added with a stupe cover to ad more moisture to the treatment.
Chemical
Chemical pads employ a chemical heat reservoir or a one-time chemical reaction such as catalyzed rusting of iron.
A sodium acetate heat pad contains a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate (CH3COONa) that heats when the crystallization process is started by pressing a piece of metal that is embedded in the liquid. Because the liquid is supersaturated, pressing the metal makes the solution crystallize suddenly, thereby releasing the energy of the crystal lattice. See sodium acetate for a more technical discussion.
The heat is released on solidification, which is triggered by flexing a (patented &) small flat disc of notched ferrous metal which releases very tiny adhered crystals of sodium acetate& into the solution which then act as nucleation sites for the recrystallization of the remainder of the salt solution.
The pad can be reused by placing it in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, which redissolves the sodium acetate in the contained water and recreates a supersaturated solution. Once the pad has returned to room temperature it can be triggered again. Triggering the pad before it has reached room temperature results in the pad reaching a lower peak temperature, as compared to waiting until it had completely cooled.
High specific-heat capacity materials
Heating packs can also be made by filling a container with a material that has a high specific heat capacity, which then gradually releases the heat over time. A hot water bottle is the most familiar example of this type of heating pad.
A microwavable heating pad is a heating pad that is warmed by placing it in a microwave oven before use. Microwavable heating pads are typically made out of a thick insulative fabric such as flannel and filled with grains such as buckwheat or flax seed. Due to their relative simplicity to make, they are frequently sewn by hand, often with a custom shape to fit the intended area of use. These types of pads have been known to ignite during or after the microwave process and cause fires.
Often, aromatic compounds will also be added to the filler mixture to create a pleasant or soothing smell when heated. The source of these can vary significantly, ranging from adding essential oils to ground up spices such as cloves and nutmeg, or even dried rose petals.
Function
Many episodes of pain come from muscle exertion or strain, which creates tension in the muscles and soft tissues. This tension can constrict circulation, sending pain signals to the brain. Heat application eases pain by:
- dilating the blood vessels surrounding the painful area. Increased blood flow provides additional oxygen and nutrients to help heal the damaged muscle tissue.
- stimulating sensation in the skin and therefore decreasing the pain signals being transmitted to the brain
- increasing the flexibility (and decreasing painful stiffness) of soft tissues surrounding the injured area, including muscles and connective tissue.
As many heating pads are portable, heat may be applied as needed at home, at work, or while traveling. Some physicians recommend alternating heat and ice for pain relief. As with any pain treatment, a physician should be consulted prior to beginning treatment.
See also
- Hand warmer
- Portable electric footwarmer mats [1]
