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Tepid Sponge/Cold Sponge

Tepid sponging or cold sponging involves applying moist, cool liquid to the skin to lower body temperature through evaporation and heat absorption. Tepid sponges use water between 80-90°F to reduce temperatures of 102-102.8°F, while cold sponges are for temperatures over 103°F. The process stimulates circulation, reduces toxicity, and can soothe nerves and promote sleep. Nurses must follow specific instructions, monitor vital signs closely, and take steps before, during, and after to ensure patient safety and comfort.

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Cheryl Porpayas
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10K views2 pages

Tepid Sponge/Cold Sponge

Tepid sponging or cold sponging involves applying moist, cool liquid to the skin to lower body temperature through evaporation and heat absorption. Tepid sponges use water between 80-90°F to reduce temperatures of 102-102.8°F, while cold sponges are for temperatures over 103°F. The process stimulates circulation, reduces toxicity, and can soothe nerves and promote sleep. Nurses must follow specific instructions, monitor vital signs closely, and take steps before, during, and after to ensure patient safety and comfort.

Uploaded by

Cheryl Porpayas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • General Instructions: Provides detailed guidance on executing the sponging procedure effectively and safely.
  • Tepid Sponge/Cold Sponge: Explains the general method and benefits of tepid or cold sponging for reducing body temperature.
  • Preliminary Assessment: Outlines the initial checks and considerations before beginning the sponging procedure.
  • Purpose: Details the objectives of performing cold sponging, including temperature reduction and symptom relief.
  • After Care: Specifies post-procedural steps for patient care following the sponging.
  • Preparation of the Patient and Environment: Describes steps to prepare both the patient and environment for the sponging procedure.
  • Equipment: Lists all necessary equipment for carrying out the sponging procedure efficiently.

TEPID SPONGE/COLD SPONGE

Definition

- Tepid sponging or cold sponging is a general application of moist cold liquid to cool skin, by
evaporation and by the absorption of body heat in the cold water.
- Tepid sponge is a process of sponging with tepid water to reduce body temperature by
evaporation. The temperature of water used for tepid sponge is 80-90 degree F.

PURPOSE

- Tepid sponge helps to reduce the temperature between 102 and 102.8 degree F.
- Cold sponge helps reduce the temperature of above 103 degree F.
- To stimulate circulation
- To decrease toxicity
- Nervousness and delirium
- To soothe the nerves and promote sleep

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

- Cold sponging is used to reduce temperature in a patient with hyperpyrexia


- Large areas of the body are sponged at one time, permitting the heat of the body to transfer to
the cooler solution on the body surface.
- Often wet towels are applied to the neck, axillae, groin and ankles, where the blood circulation
is close to the skin surface
- The vital signs are checked very frequently to detect the early signs of complications
- The physiological effect of the cold applications are vaso-constriction, decreased blood
circulation, decreased capillary permeability, decreased metabolism, decreased blood viscosity,
etc.
- The application moist cold is more effective than the application of dry cold as the moisture
distributes the cold to large and deep area
- There must be a written order for tepid sponge or cold sponge
- Use long strokes for sponging and avoid circular movements or friction while sponging
- Keep the hot water bag ready at the foot end of the bed

PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

1. Check
- The doctors order for any specific instructions
- General condition and diagnosis
- Self-care ability of the patient
- Assess the duration of application
- For contraindication to cold application
- Articles available in the unit

PREPARATION OF THE PATIENT AND ENVIRONMENT

- Explain the sequence of the procedure


- Provide privacy
- Check the initial temperature and should be checked every 15 minutes intervals
- Position the patient comfortably in the bed
- Remove the patient gown and place with bath blanket
- Bring the patient to the edge of the bed
- Place the long Mackintosh and draw sheet under the patient
- Arrange the articles to the bedside

EQUIPMENT

- A large basin of water (80-90 degree F) for tepid sponging


- Jug with cold water
- Basin with ice pieces
- Bath thermometer
- Mackintosh and draw sheet
- Sponge clothes – 6
- Bath towel – 1
- Face towel – 1
- Thermometer tray
- Ice cap with cover
- Spirit rub
- Bucket

AFTER CARE

- Remove the sponge clothes from the axilla and groin. Discard it in kidney tray
- Dry the body with bath towel
- Remove the Mackintosh and draw sheet
- Replace the gown and remove the bath blanket
- Observe for any symptoms of chill or any other abnormality
- If needed give him hot drinks
- Position the patient comfortably in the bed
- Replace the articles after cleaning
- Wash hands
- Record the procedure in the nurse’s record sheet and vital signs in TPR sheet

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