|
Hot Foot Bath: Indications
- Aborting or reducing severity and duration of a cold.
- Relieving a congestive headache.
- Relieving chest and pelvic congestion.
- Warming patient prior to other treatments.
Hot Foot Bath: Contraindications
- Do not use in patients with diabetes or vascular disease or anyone with decreased sensation in their feet.
Equipment
- Foot tub or basin large enough to fit both feet and submerge to 3 to 4 inches above the ankles.
- Pitcher of very hot water
- Basin of cold water and washcloth
- Blankets and sheet
- Thermometer (kitchen or pool)
Procedure
- Drape one or two blankets to completely cover a straight chair and cover the blanket with a sheet.
- Prepare tub of water, temperature should be 103-105 °F.
- Seat the undressed patient on the chair and slowly submerge feet.
- Snugly wrap patient in sheet and towel.
- Apply a cold compress to forehead changing every 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add hot water frequently, slowly increasing water temperature to
108-110 °F, as tolerated. (Remove feet from tub while adding to
prevent burns.)
- Give water to drink when patient begins to sweat.
- Continue treatment for 20 to 30 minutes.
- At the end of the treatment, pour cold water over feet and dry thoroughly.
- Have the patient lie down for 30 to 60 minutes for the reaction time.
|
