Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is an expected outcome of using cold packs on a joint after an injury?

1. Increased blood flow and swelling

2. Decreased pain and inflammation

3. Immediate mobility improvement

4. Permanent joint healing

The correct answer is: Decreased pain and inflammation

The use of cold packs on a joint after an injury is primarily beneficial for reducing pain and inflammation. When cold is applied, it causes vasoconstriction, which limits blood flow to the area and subsequently decreases swelling. This reduction in swelling leads to less pressure on surrounding tissues and pain receptors, making the patient feel more comfortable. Additionally, cold therapy can help numb the area, providing immediate relief from pain. While increased blood flow and swelling can occur with other treatments like heat application, those are not the intended effects of using a cold pack. Improved mobility is not typically an immediate outcome of cold therapy; often, mobility may initially be limited due to swelling and pain. Permanent joint healing is also not associated directly with the application of cold packs, as that involves a comprehensive treatment plan including rest, rehabilitation, and sometimes medical intervention. Therefore, the expected outcome of using cold packs is a decrease in pain and inflammation.