Tepid Sponging

Definition: sponging of the skin with alcohol or cool water.

Purpose: to lower body temperature (fever)
Tepid (Lukewarm) water + alcohol
3 parts water: 1 part alcohol

The temperature of the water is 32 c (below body temperature) 27- 37 – alcohol evaporates at a low temperature and therefore removes body heat rapidly
• Less frequently used – because alcohol causes skin drying
• Heat loss is by conduction and vaporization
• Determine the patients’ temperature, PR and RR frequently every (Q) 15 min
• Sponge each area (part) for 2-3 min changing the wash cloth
• The sponge bath should take about 30 minutes
• Reassess v/s at the end
• Discontinue the bath if the clients becomes pale or cyanotic or shivers, or if the PR becomes rapid or irregular

Temperature of hot water bottle (bag) 52 o
c for normal adults,40.5 –
46 oc– for debilitated (unconscious patients).
40.5-46 oc for children < 2 yrs;
Fill the bag about 2/3 full;
Expel the remaining air and secure the top;
Maximum effect occurs in 20-30 min;
The application is repeated Q2 – 3 hrs to relieve swelling compress
– a moist gauze or cloth immersed in (hot or cold) water and applied
over an area.