Tepid Sponge and Cold Sponge Application Procedure

TEPID SPONGE/COLD SPONGE (Cold Application) – Definition, Purpose, General Instructions, Preliminary Assessment Check, Effects, Physiologic Effects, Indications, Preparation of the Patient and Environment, Equipment, Procedure, After Care and Contraindications

Updated 2024

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.

Tepid Sponge:
- Tepid water is lukewarm, neither hot nor cold. It is often recommended for cleaning wounds or sensitive skin.
- It can be more comfortable for general cleaning tasks, as extreme temperatures can be harsh on the skin.
- Tepid water is suitable for washing the face or body, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Cold Sponge:
- Cold water can be refreshing and invigorating, making it a good choice for hot weather or when you need a pick-me-up.
- It can help reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles or joints.
- Cold water may be preferred for some beauty routines, as it can tighten pores and give a refreshing feeling to the skin.

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

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

PROCEDURE

Wash hands
Mix the water with ice cubes
Soak the wash cloths in the ice cold
water for some time
Place cold sponge cloths in each
axial and groin
Put the face towel under the head
sponge the face and dry with face towel
Sponge the neck, right arm from the
shoulder to the finger tips for 3 minutes
Change sponge cloth when it becomes
warm
Sponge the left arm, chest and
abdomen for 3 minutes
Change the water if it becomes dirty
and check the temperature
Cover the upper half, of the body and
expose the lower half of the body
Sponge the right and left lower limb
for 3 minutes
Then carefully turn the patient for
his side and bring patient to edge of bed. Sponge the back with long strokes
for 3 minutes
Dry the part with bath towel and
apply spirit on the back
Check the temperature at 20 minutes
interval and record it in the TPR chart