Heating Pad Safety for Your Hospice Patient

Описание: Tips for Hospice Nurses: this time of year your patients may start taking out their heating pads to use as an extra source of warmth. While I understand the comfort a heating pad can bring, I Strongly discourage my pts from using them because they are so dangerous. I’ve had pts end up on the burn unit because of heating pads.

If you clearly inform your pts of all the risks associated with heating pads, and they make the informed decision to use them anyway (which is their right), I recommend educating them on the following points:

1. Never put the heating pad next to the skin - keep several layers between the pad and the skin
2. To reduce the risk of prolonged heat exposure, use the type that go in the microwave, or one with an automatic shut-off timer
3. Inspect electric heating pads carefully for frayed or worn areas that could pose electrical risks
4. If using the microwave pad, follow the manufacturer instructions carefully, and never heat longer than recommended
5. If they don’t have adequate heat in their home, collaborate with the social worker to see if something can be done to warm their environment and eliminate the need for the heating pad

Be sure to document thoroughly the discussion with the pt/cg, including the warning and the safety education you provided.

Ya’ll be safe out there! I love you guys … xoxo ~ Shelley 💕

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