Today our topic of discussion is Surgical Fomentation.
Surgical Fomentation
SURGICAL FOMENTATION
Application of moist heal or medication using sterile gauze, to a surgical incision or wound.
Surgical fomentation is the application of a hot moist fomentation pad over an open wound under strict aseptic conditions (Fig. 28.35).
Definition: A fomentation consists of a local application of moist heat to the body surface. A fomentation is usually made of blanket material: 50% wool to retain heat and 50% cotton to retain moisture and be more durable.
Purpose
- To soften extenuates
- To hasten suppurative process
- To promote healing To reduce swelling
- To reduce pain
- To provide a soothing effect
- To reduce inflammation.
Preliminary Assessment
- Assess the general condition of the patient
- Check the physicians order
- Check the specific precautions, if any
- Check the available articles in the patients unit
- Check the consciousness and ability to follow the instructions.
Physiologic Effects
- Promotes increase in circulating white blood cells
- Increases blood flow to the skin, thereby relieving internal congestion
- Relieves muscle spasm by increasing circulation and releasing muscle tension
- Relieves pain in muscles and joints by counter-irritation and decongestion
- Reflexly relieves pain from internal organs Increases elimination by promoting sweating
- Stimulates or sedates according to the temperature of the application.
Indications
- Joint pain
- Neuralgia and neuritis pain
- Muscle tension
- Insomnia
- To warm the tissues in preparation for massage
- To prepare for cold procedures
- Active chest congestion in colds, influenza, bronchitis, pleurisy (no cold used for pleurisy) Nervous tension-sedative to spine
- To produce sweating
Contraindications and Cautions
- Loss of skin sensation due to:
- Unconsciousness
- Paralysis of the part
- Legs and feet of diabetic
- Leg or feet edema, varicose veins, advanced vascular disease
- Malignancy
- Tendency to bleed (hemorrhage)
- Stomach or bowel ulcers
- Omit cold in extreme pain such as pleurisy, renal colic and dysmenorrhea.
Equipment
- Small dressing pack
- Kettle with water heated to 105-115°F (42-46°C)
- Solution needed for compress magnesium sulfate, normal saline Mackintosh
- Plastic bag
- Dressing drum
- Pad drum
- Adhesive and scissors, if required
- Lotion thermometer.
Preparation of the Patient
- Explain the procedure to the patient
- The dressing change is scheduled for a suitable time
- If the patient is an open unit the curtains are drawn to ensure the privacy.