Infrared lamp therapy is a specialized form of hot application that uses infrared radiation to deliver deep, penetrating heat to tissues. It’s widely used in nursing care, physical therapy, and wellness settings to relieve pain, improve circulation, and promote healing.
Definition
It is a procedure in which long visible rays of infrared spectrum are emitted which are used therapeutically for production of heat in tissues.
Purposes
- To promote wound healing, especially in decubitus ulcer and episiotomy.
- To apply superficial heat to a specified area.
- To relieve muscle spasm and pain.
- To promote suppuration.
- To improve circulation.
- To relieve congestion in internal organs.
- To promote comfort.
Contraindications
- Decreased or impaired cutaneous sensation or circulation.
- Localized dermatitis in the area of exposure.
- Photosensitivity.
- Hyperesthesia.
- Implantations such as metallic device, pacemakers, and so on
- Certain types of malignancy.
Articles
Preparation of Equipment
- Infrared lamp.
- Inch tape.
- Top sheet.
- Privacy screen if needed.
Procedure
| Nursing actions | Rationale | |
| 1. | Check the doctor’s order. | To plan the care. |
| 2. | Explain the procedure to the patient. | Enhances cooperation and allays fear. |
| 3. | Assemble all equipment at the bedside or in the treatment room as per the facility. | For convenience. |
| 4. | Wash hands. | To prevent cross-infection. |
| 5. | Provide privacy. | To reduce embarrassment. |
| 6. | Drape the patient and expose the needed area; keep the linen away from the lamp. | Linen reduces the effectiveness of the light rays. |
| 7. | Instruct the patient not to look at the rays directly and the lamp would become hot after few minutes. | Looking directly at the source impairs vision. |
| 8. | Ensure that the skin is clean and dry before switching on the lamp. | For effective treatment. |
| 9. | Position the lamp at a distance of 45-55 cm or 18 inches away from the patient. | To reduce incidence of burns. |
| 10. | Switch on the lamp and allow it to be on for 5-10 minutes. | To attain the desirable effect. |
| 11. | Check the condition of the skin for burns, redness, or discomfort. | To identify complications at an earlier stage. |
| 12. | Switch off the lamp; reposition the patient comfortably. | To promote comfort. |
| 13. | Replace the equipment. | For the next use. |
| 14. | Wash hands. | To prevent cross-infection. |
| 15. | Document the procedure done. | Serves as legal evidence and to prevent duplication of care. |
Precautions
- Never allow direct skin contact with the lamp
- Avoid use over open wounds, inflamed areas, or in patients with impaired sensation
- Monitor temperature and skin condition closely
- Do not leave the patient unattended during treatment
Special Considerations
- Elderly or unconscious patients: Increased risk of burns extra supervision needed
- Neurological impairments: May not feel heat properly
- Diabetic patients: Use with caution due to circulation issues
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 Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884.
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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