Applying Hot/Cold Pack

Material needed:

• Hot or Cold pack
• Soft cloth, towel, or cover
• 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 shades)
5. Place hot pack in microwave and heat according to manufacturer's directions. Or, remove cold pack from freezer
6. Cover pack with soft cloth, towel, or cover and apply to client's affected area
7. Write on paper the time the pack was applied
8. Check client's skin every 10 minutes for danger signs (discoloration, numbness, burning)
9. Remove pack according to time required. Write time of removal on paper
10. Store pack according to manufacturer's directions. Place cloth, towel, or cover in laundry container to be washed.
11. Wash your hands
12. Record what you have done and report any abnormal conditions to the nurse or family member