Question

Wrenda tells the RN that she has an electric heating pad at home that she used when she sprained her ankle. How should the nurse respond?

a) "Use the heating pad as often as possible for quick relief."
b) "Apply the heating pad for no more than 15-20 minutes at a time."
c) "Avoid using the heating pad; it may worsen your condition."
d) "The heating pad is only effective for back pain, not for other injuries."

Answer 1

The nurse should respond by advising Wrenda to use the heating pad for no more than 15-20 minutes at a time.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should respond by saying:"Apply the heating pad for no more than 15-20 minutes at a time."

This is because prolonged use of a heating pad can cause burns or exacerbate inflammation. The nurse should also recommend using other methods like rest, ice, compression, and elevation to manage the sprained ankle.