SOAK OR LOCAL BATH (Hot Application) – Purpose, Preliminary Assessment, Preparation of Patient and Environment, Equipment, Procedure and After Care
A soak refers to either immersing a body part (e.g. an arm) in a solution or to wrapping a part in gauze dressing and then saturating the dressing with a solution
Soak may employ wither ‘Clean technique’ or sterile technique. A sterile technique is indicated for any open wounds present on the area.
Purpose of Soaks
- To apply heat to hasten suppuration
- To apply medication
- To cleanse the wound
- To relieve edema
- To relieve muscle spasm
- To increase circulation
General Instructions
- The body part to receive the moist heap application is submerged in a basin of warm water at 105 to 110 degree F (40.5 to 43 degree celcius)
- The duration of the treatment is usually 20 minutes
- Ideally the temperature of the solution should be checked frequently and additional solution added or the solution is replaced in order to maintain the appropriate temperature
- The patient should be in a comfortable position and the limbs are supported with pillows
- Dry the surface thoroughly all the end of the treatment
Preliminary Treatment
Check
- The doctors order for any specific precautions
- General condition and diagnosis of the patient
- Assess any contraindication of hot application
- Self-care ability to follow instructions
- Articles available in the unit
Preparation of Tile Patient and Environment
- Explain the procedure to the patient
- Provide privacy if needed
- Close the window and put off the fan
- Arrange the article at the bed side
- Position the patient comfortably according to the need of the procedure
Equipment
- Bathtub
- Solution, e.g. normal saline, magnesium sulfate and sterile water
- Mackintosh
- Extra towel
- Piece of woolen blanket
- Lotion thermometer
Procedure
- Wash hands
- Place the Mackintosh to protect bed linen
- Keep bathtub on the Mackintosh
- Allow the part to soak for prescribed length of time, usually 15 to 20 minutes
- Check the temperature of the solution frequently and add additional solution to replace in order to maintain the appropriate temperature
- Dry the area at the end of the procedure
After Care
- Remove the bathtub from bedside
- Observe the part for any skin changes
- Make the patient comfortable in the bed
- Replace the articles after cleaning
- Wash hand
- Record the procedure in the nurse’s record sheet
