The patient requested the application of heat to manage chronic pain and fibromyalgia.A water circulating pump was given to the patient to be used intermittently, independently.The pad of the pump was covered with a pillow case to prevent direct contact with the skin.A few days later, the patient applied the heating pad and woke complaining of pain in her lower back and left arm.When examined by the nurse it was noted that the pillow case had slipped and the heating pad had come in direct contact with the patient's skin causing erythema and a small blister on her elbow.
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