Applying a Hot Water Bag

Material needed:

• Hot water bag
• Soft cloth or towel
• Cooking thermometer, if available
• Pencil
• Paper

Procedure:

1. Explain what you are going to do
2. Wash your hands
3. Obtain material listed above
4. Provide privacy (close door, pull curtains)
5. Fill hot water bag with water. Secure with stopper. Turn bag upside down to check for leaks
6. Remove stopper and empty bag
7. Run more hot water and test with cooking thermometer, adjust water to desired temperature
8. Fill gab half full ( ½ )
9. Lay bag flat to remove air. Place stopper in bag while it is still flat
10. Cover bag with soft cloth or towel and apply to client's affected area
11. Write on paper the time the bag was applied
12. Refill bag when it becomes cool
13. Check client's skin every 10 minutes for danger signs
14. Remove bag according to time required. Write time of removal on paper
15. Remove stopper, empty bag, and hang bag upside down to dry. Place cloth or towel in laundry container to be washed
16. Wash your hands
17. Record what you have done. Report any unusual conditions to the nurse or family member.
18. When bag is dry, blow air into it and replace stopper to prevent insides of bag from sticking together. Store in proper location