Title: Administer 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

- following the procedures for proper administration of compresses and dressings:
  - Provide for client privacy and explain procedure
  - Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times
  - 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.

  - Properly dispose of gloves and wash your hands.
  - Document administration according to facility policy.