Title: Administer or assist the client with self-administration of compresses and dressings.
Course: Medication Aide (14051-36) > Section: Examining Administration of Prepared Instillations and Treatments

Administration should include knowledge of the purpose of compresses to apply heat or cold to injured areas of the body:

- heat opens blood vessels
- cold closes blood vessels.

Administration should include adhering to the following procedures for proper administration of compresses and dressings:

- Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
- Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
- Date and initial multi-use containers when opened.
- Wash your hands.
- Put on gloves.
- Follow the HCP’s order for preparing the compress solution.
- Check the temperature of the warm compress solution; never exceed 110º Fahrenheit or warm when applied to the inner part of the upper forearm.
- Use a gauze pad or a clean washcloth as the compress.
- Soak the compress in the prepared solution and squeeze lightly.
- Apply the compress to the affected area and note the time of application.
- Keep the compress cold by changing it every 2-3 minutes or by applying plastic over the compress, and then an ice bag.
- Reheat the compress by dipping it into a solution approximately every 5-10 minutes and covering the compress with plastic wrap; never place an electric heating pad on a compress.
- Remove the compress in 20 minutes unless otherwise directed, or if
  - the client complains of pain
  - the area becomes reddened, or the client complains of numbness.
- Remove and properly dispose of gloves and wash your hands.
- Document administration according to facility policy.

Process/Skill Questions:

- When might it be necessary to apply a cold compress? A warm compress?
- How can the MA ensure that a warm compress does not harm the patient?