Fundamentals of Nursing Q 352
The main benefit of therapeutic massages is:
A. To help a person with swollen legs to decrease fluid retention.
B. To help a person with duodenal ulcers feel better.
C. To help damaged tissue in a diabetic to heal.
D. To improve circulation and muscle tone.
Correct Answer: D. To improve circulation and muscle tone.
Particularly in elderly adults, therapeutic massage will help improve circulation and muscle tone as well as the personal attention and social interaction that a good massage provides. Damaged or strained muscle fibers release inflammatory chemicals to aid the healing process, but these chemicals cause significant pain and discomfort in the process. At least one study, which looked at the effects of massage on post-exercise tissue inflammation, suggests that even 10 minutes of massage can reduce signs of inflammation and improve cell processes, thereby promoting healing, with effects lasting several hours after the massage.
Option A: Massage only the hands, feet, or scalp of patients with sepsis, fever over 100[degrees]F, nausea or vomiting, sickle cell crisis, HIV crisis, a complicated or high-risk pregnancy, crepitus, edema, thrombocytopenia, or meningitis.
Option B: When patients have fragile skin, or the potential for skin breakdown, apply only light pressure, using enough lotion or oil to minimize friction. For patients with a previous injury, chronic pain, or scar tissue, frequently ask them how the massage feels, and adjust both pressure and massage technique to the patients’ preferences.
Option C: A massage is contraindicated in any condition where massage to damaged tissue can dislodge a blood clot. Although massage is associated with few adverse effects, nurses should be careful to avoid areas near open wounds, any stage of pressure ulcer, reddened or swollen areas, rashes, incisions, thromboses, iv lines, drains, shunts, and tubes.