Abstract
Although cold compresses are applied as part of nursing care to relieve inflammatory symptoms induced by infusion phlebitis, the most appropriate temperature for such compresses has not been investigated scientifically. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate scientificallythe most appropriate temperature for a cold compress in order to inhibit the inflammatoryreactions induced byinfusion phlebitis in a rat model. After creation of experimental phlebitis on the tail, cold compresses at tail surface temperatures of 10℃, 15℃ and 20℃ were applied to the lesions. Control rats received no compresses, and were investigated for gross findings as well as skin swelling. The results of this studydemonstrated clear differences in the size of skin swelling among the three cold compress groups. The most effective temperature for inhibiting the inflammatory reactions was 20℃.
