Chapter 22 - Facilitating Hygiene

Question 1

Activities of daily living (ADLs)

Answer 1

• bathing
• showering
• combing hair

Question 2

Special considerations when providing a bath

Answer 2

• a patient who has dementia

Patients who have dementia tend to become agitated when told it is time to bathe, and they often yell or scream at their caregivers or pinch or hit them. The reason for agitation is usually that they experience pain, cold, fear, and loss of control.

• patient who is obese

Be sure to obtain adequate assistance to reposition the patient during the bath and skin exam so that you do not miss any areas.