Today is our topic of discussion Tepid Sponge.
Tepid Sponge
TEPID SPONGE/COLD SPONGE
- Tepid sponging or cold sponging is a general application of moist cold liquid to cool skin, by evaporation and by the absorption of body heat in the cold water.
- Tepid sponge is a process of sponging with tepid water to reduce body temperature by evaporation.
- The temperature of water used for tepid sponge is 80-90°F.
- Cold sponge is a moist cold application using ice water when patient’s temperature is dangerously raised.
- The temperature of water used for cold sponge is 60-70°E
Purpose
- Tepid sponge helps to reduce the temperature between 102 and 102.8F
- Cold sponge helps reduce the temperature of above 103°F
- To stimulate circulation
- To decrease toxicity
- Nervousness and delirium
- To soothe the nerves and promote sleep.
General Instructions
- Cold sponging is used to reduce temperature in a patient with hyperpyrexia (above 103°F)
- Large areas of the body are sponged at one time, permitting the heat of the body to transfer to the cooler solution on the body surface
- Often wet towels are applied to the neck, axillae, groin and ankles, where the blood circulation is close to the skin surface
- The vital signs are checked very frequently to detect the early signs of complications
- The physiological effect of the cold applications are vaso- constriction, decreased blood circulation, decreased capillary permeability, decreased metabolism, decreased blood viscosity, etc.
- The application moist cold is more effective than the application of dry cold as the moisture distributes the cold to large and deep area
- There must be a written order for tepid sponge or cold sponge
- Use long strokes for sponging and avoid circular movements or friction while sponging
- Keep the hot water bag ready at the foot end of the bed.
Preliminary Assessment
- Check
- The doctors order for any specific instructions
- General condition and diagnosis
- Self-care ability of the patient
- Assess the duration of application
- For contraindication to cold application
- Articles available in the unit.
Preparation of the Patient and Environment
- Explain the sequence of the procedure.
- Provide privacy .
- Check the initial temperature and should be checked every 15 minutes intervals
- Position the patient comfortably in the bed.
- Remove the patient gown and place with bath blanket .
- Bring the patient to the edge of the bed.
- Place the long Mackintosh and draw sheet under the patient.
- Arrange the articles to the bedside.
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