What should the nurse explain to the patient is the primary reason why heat is used instead of cold if Nurse AJ is applying a warm compress?

Increases circulation

Heat increases the skin surface temperature. promoting vasodilation. which increases blood flow to the area. Cold has the opposite effect: it promotes vasoconstriction. which decreases blood flow to the area. Both heat and cold relax muscles and thus minimize muscle spasms. There is no advantage to using heat over cold. (option 1). Heat does not prevent hemorrhage; heat causes vasodilation. which promotes hemorrhage (option 2). Both heat and cold can reduce discomfort. Cold reduces discomfort by numbing the area. slowing the transmission of pain impulses. and increasing the pain threshold. Heat reduces the discomfort by relaxing the muscles (option 4).