Which will not promote safety when applying a heat or cold application?

The correct choice reflects that observing the skin every 15 minutes for signs of complications does not promote safety when applying heat or cold applications. While monitoring the skin is certainly important in wound care, waiting for a 15-minute interval may not be proactive enough when dealing with heat or cold treatments, as changes in skin condition can occur rapidly. Instead, frequent checks would generally be encouraged to ensure that no adverse effects, such as burns or frostbite, are developing.

The focus on safe and immediate assessment is crucial in preventing injury or complications. The other options emphasize important safety measures: following agency policies ensures proper guidelines are adhered to, covering dry applications prevents direct contact that could lead to skin damage, and placing the signal light within reach facilitates prompt communication in case of discomfort or other needs. These practices are actively designed to enhance patient safety during the application of thermal treatments.