Today is our topic of discussion Counterirritants of Hot Application.
Counterirritants of Hot Application
Counterirritants of Hot Application
A counterirritant is a substance which dilates superficial blood vessels to relieve or counteract other deeper inflammation, which in turn produce the constriction of deeper vessels. Counterirritants are drugs, when applied to the affected part, caused irritation on inflammation thereby relieving deep seated pain, congestion and inflammation.
Purpose
- To relieve congestion
- To relieve irritation by promoting free circulation in the part
- To relieve pain
- To cause absorption and removal of inflammatory products.
Classification of Counterirritants
- Rubefacients: These merely redden the skin .
- vasodilatation. These act quickly their action lasts for a short time, e.g. mustard turpentine liniments Vesicants: These help blister formation on skin, e.g. Tr. lodine.
- Escharotics: They destroy the tissues and help them slough away, e.g. silver nitrate.
- Pustulants: They produce pustules on skin and are rarely used, e.g. cotton seed oil and antimony.
Preliminary Assessment
- The doctors order for any specific precautions
- General condition and diagnosis of the patient
- Self-care ability of the patient .
- Severity and extent of the injury
- Type method and duration of medication applied
- Articles available in the unit.
Preparation of the Patient and Environment
- Explain the procedure to the patient
- Provide privacy if needed
- Arrange the articles at the bedside
- Position the patient comfortably.
Equipment
- Adult-mixture of 1/2 dram turpentine and 2/3 at sweet oil
- Children-mixture of 1 part turpentine and 10 part sweet oil.
- Kept the mixture in a bowl of hot water
- Swab sticks
- Kidney tray and paper bag Screen.
Procedure
- Hand wash
- Fan folds the top bedding and exposes the required part only
- The mixture should be well mixed
- Apply the warm oil mixture with swab stick
- Apply it from xiphist sternum to the symphysis pubis
- Apply the mixture in a single layer and do not rub it
- Apply the hot compresses (medical fomentation)
- After 10 to 15 minutes, insert the flatus tube and watch for the expulsion of gases.
After Care
- Remove the articles from the bedside
- Position the patient comfortably
- Replace the articles after cleaning Hand washing
- Record the procedure in nurse’s record sheet.
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