Hot water bag procedure and its different uses in first aid -“Nursing Principles”

Hot Water Bag Procedure and its Different Uses 

 A hot water bag is for varied indications such as the following.

  1. To relieve pain.
  2. To help resorption of a hematoma.
  3. To help a patient with urinary retention to pass urine.
  4. To keep a patient of hypothermia warm.
  5. To keep a newborn baby warm in conditions like premature birth, asphyxia, hypothermia etc.

The procedure for the use of a hot water bag is as follows:

  1. Fill the bag about 2/3 with water at 55-60 degree C.
  2. Place the bag on a flat surface and remove all air from the bag.
  3. Close the mouth of the bag.
  4. Invert the bag to confirm that it does not leak. Dry the outer side of the bag.
  5. Cover the bag with cloth or a cover.
  6. Place it over the area to be warmed covered by a towel.
  7. Change the water inside when it cools.
  8. Empty the bag after use, dry it well from inside and outside, let some air in, and keep it in a cool, dry place.
  9. Do not use water at a temperature more than 48 degree C when to be used for small children and patients with heart disease.
  10. Do not place the bag under the body at any time.
  11. Do not use a hot water bag if the patient is unconscious or paralytic with loss of sensation, as accidental burns can occur.
  12. Change the position of the bag after 5 minutes.
  13. Remove the bag if the site of application of the bag becomes red. Apply talcum powder locally.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.