Athletic Training Practice Exam

What should an athletic trainer recommend to prevent a cryotherapy injury when using an ice pack?

1. Add acetone to the ice at a 3:1 ratio

2. Keep the injured limb elevated while using the ice

3. Place a damp towel between the athlete's skin and the ice pack

4. Leave the ice pack on the body part between 20 to 40 minutes at a time

The correct answer is: Place a damp towel between the athlete's skin and the ice pack

Placing a damp towel between the athlete's skin and the ice pack is a recommended practice to prevent cryotherapy injuries. The moisture in the damp towel allows for more even heat transfer, which helps to lower the temperature safely and effectively without causing the skin to become too cold or suffer frostbite. Additionally, this barrier can help to reduce the risk of ice burn, which can occur when ice is applied directly to the skin. In contrast, using an ice pack without any barrier can lead to cold-related injuries because direct contact may create extreme temperature fluctuations on the skin. Keeping the limb elevated while using ice can assist in reducing swelling, but it does not directly prevent cryotherapy injuries. Leaving the ice pack on for a duration of 20 to 40 minutes is longer than typically recommended; it's generally advised to apply ice for about 15 to 20 minutes with breaks in between to avoid potential skin and tissue damage from prolonged exposure. Using additives like acetone is not a standard or safe practice in cryotherapy and could potentially cause harm. Therefore, placing a damp towel serves as an effective method to ensure safe and efficient cooling.