Asked by Catherine Livingston on May 31, 2024

Verified

Eleanor is a 44-year-old patient who was brought to the emergency room where you work for treatment of minor injuries from an automobile accident. The physician has ordered an ice pack to be applied to Eleanor's right arm to help reduce swelling and pain. Five minutes after you place the ice on her arm, Eleanor asks you to remove it. She says it is "burning" her arm. You look, but do not see any unusual redness or paleness of the skin. What should you do?

A) Explain to Eleanor that there may be a burning sensation, but her skin looks fine
B) Encourage Eleanor to leave the ice pack in place for just 15 minutes longer
C) Remove the ice pack and report Eleanor's response to the physician
D) Ask Eleanor if a hot pack would be more comfortable for her
E) Explain that you cannot remove the ice pack without the physician's permission