Which of the following is a sign of cold intolerance during therapy that requires stopping treatment?

• A. Cyanosis
• B. Pain
• C. Wheals
• D. Mottling

Answer: (B)

Cold intolerance to therapy is shown when the patient experiences pain during cold exposure. Pain during cryotherapy is not a normal or expected sensation; it suggests the tissue is not tolerating the cold and there’s a risk of tissue damage or nerve irritation. When pain appears, the safe course is to stop the treatment immediately, remove the cold source, and reassess the skin and sensation after rewarming. If intolerance persists, adjust or discontinue use.

Other responses like blue discoloration, urticarial wheals, or mottling can indicate vascular or allergic reactions or poor perfusion, but pain during cold exposure most clearly signals that the therapy should be halted to prevent injury.