The nurse has applied an aquathermia pad to a client’s back. After 15

The nurse has applied an aquathermia pad to a client’s back. After 15 minutes of treatment, the client says that the pack no longer is warm and asks the nurse to increase the temperature. How should the nurse evaluate this request?

1. Because this client’s thermal tolerance is higher than normal, increasing the temperature is necessary.
2. This client may be experiencing a rebound effect from the application of moist heat.
3. Adaptation of the thermal receptors often results in the decreased sensation of warmth.
4. The aquathermia pad should be replaced with a standard hot pack.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: There is no evidence that this client has increased thermal tolerance.
Rationale 2: There is no evidence that the rebound effect is occurring.
Rationale 3: After about 15 minutes of heat application, the thermal receptors adapt to the temperature increase and the sensation of warmth is diminished. Clients often request that the temperature be increased because they do not feel the same amount of heat. This can lead to burns.
Rationale 4: It is not necessary to replace the aquathermia pad with a hot pack.