Definition
Applying an ice cap is a classic cold therapy technique used to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling, especially in cases like headaches, fever, post-surgical recovery, or soft tissue injuries.
Purposes
- To relieve pain of muscle strain.
- To relieve congestion/edema.
- To relieve urinary retention.
- To reduce temperature(101-102°F)
Articles
- Ice cap with cover.
- Ice in a bowl (ice chips if available).
- Water in a bowl.
- Ice pick (if ice needs to be broken).
- Salt to mix with ice cubes/pieces.
- Tablespoon.
- Duster to wipe ice cap after filling.
- Towel and mackintosh
- Kidney tray.
Contraindications
- Hypothermia
- Muscle spasm
- Peripheral neuropathy
Precautions
- Never apply directly to bare skin—risk of frostbite
- Avoid use in patients with impaired circulation, Raynaud’s disease, or cold hypersensitivity
- Discontinue if skin becomes bluish, mottled, or numb
- Do not exceed 30 minutes per session; allow at least 1-hour intervals between applications
Procedure
| NURSING ACTION | RATIONALE | |
| 1. | Before procedure Identify the patient and check the physician’s order and nursing care plan. | Ensures that right procedure is done on right patient. |
| 2. | Provide explanation to patient. | Promotes patient’s cooperation and participation. |
| 3. | During procedure Fill ice cap with tepid water and tilt the ice cap. | Checks for the presence of leakage. |
| 4. | Broke the ice into pieces of required size, if not obtained as small chips. | Facilitates filling of the ice cap. |
| 5. | Add salt to ice chips | Salt prevents the ice from melting faster. |
| 6. | Fill ice cap half-full of ice chips and expel air. | Air Inside ice cap will make it uncomfortable for patient when applied. |
| 7. | Screw on cap tightly and put cover over ice cap. | Spilling of water can be prevented by tight screwing of the cap. |
| 8. | Apply ice cap to the area for about 30 minutes. | Application beyond this time causes secondary effects. |
| 9. | Check tolerance of patient periodically: Observe for the presence of cyanosis/mottling. | Identifies complications at an early stage. |
| 10. | After procedure Clean and replace the articles used. | |
| 11. | Wash hands. | |
| 12. | Record the procedure in the nurse’s notes including time of application and observation. |
Special Considerations
- Controls localized hematoma or hemorrhage, such as following thyroid surgery, tonsillectomy, and dental surgery.
- For application on neck, bags of different shape, such as ice collars are used.
- Cold application does not reduce edema already present and should be applied immediately after injury to minimize edema.
- Discontinue any application for longer than 1 hour to avoid reflex vasodilation.
- Ensure the ice bag is leak proof.
Use cautiously on patients with impaired circulation, children, elderly patient due to risk of ischemic tissue damage.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
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