Goals of the class: to get a notion about the mechanism of action of elementary physiotherapeutic procedures and to master skills. Objective of the class:
► to know the rules of preparation of a patient, technique of applying cups, mustard plasters, warming and cold compresses, giving a hot-water bottle, an ice-bag, medicinal leech application;
► to develop skills in applying mustard plasters and cups, compresses (warming, cold) and poultices, bloodletting, hirudotherapy, performance of balneologic procedures (medical baths).
The subject-matter of the class:
1) the mechanism of action of the elementary physioprocedures;
2) technique of procedures performance;
3) practical skills.
Equipment required: gauze, cotton wool, compress paper, oilskin, cellophane, bandage, cups, pincers, mustard plasters, hot-water bottles, an ice-bag, alcohol, matches, test tubes.
Various physical factors (cold, warmth, mechanical irritation) can influence the human skin and cause a certain functional transformation in the organs and tissues located deeper than the irritated parts of skin. Change of a vascular tension, secretory and motor activity and cellular metabolism take place. Besides that, the patient?s sleep is improved, appetite becomes better, the mood is cheerful. Such medical action of natural factors on skin with the purpose of changing the functional condition of the underlying organs and systems is called physiotherapeutic procedures (Greek «physis» - nature, natural properties). Application of mustard plasters and mustard baths, cups, compresses, hot-water bottles etc., can also be referred to them. As physiother-apeutic procedures can cause serious complications, the nurse should know the mechanism of action, indications and contraindications to the application of these procedures, and master the performance technique.