Hygiene Flashcards
hygiene
conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) conducive to health
skin is the body’s largest ____
organ
the skin and mucosal cells are essential to the _____ of the body
health
skin function
- protection
- secretion
- excretion
- temperature regulation
- sensation
epidermis
several thin layers of epithelial cells comprise the epidermis
- these cells shield the underlying tissue
dermis
- supports the epidermis
contains: - collagen
- nerve fibers
- blood vessels
- glands
- hair follicles
sweat glands (a part of glands in the dermis)
- protect the skin from being too dry
- cool the body
sebaceous glands (a part of glands in the dermis)
secrete sebum, an oily odorous fluid, into the hair follicles
- softens/lubricates the skin
- slows water loss from the skin
- bactericidal action
subcutaneous tissue
- nerves, blood vessels, lymph, and connective tissue filled with fat cells
- fat insulates the body
- cushions the upper layers
- loosely secures the skin to underlying structures
normal nail
- transparent, smooth, and convex
- pink nail bed
- translucent white tip
condition of a patient’s hands and feet
affects ability to perform hygiene care
special attention to the hands and feet is needed to prevent
infection, injury and odor
the oral cavity
- mucous membranes line the mouth
- normal mucosa is a sign of health
- normal mucosa: light pink, soft, moist, smooth, no lesions
abnormalities in the mouth
evaluate the mouth for abnormalities:
- xerostomia: dry mouth
- gingivitis: inflammation of the gums
- dental caries: tooth decay
medications, exposure to radiation, and mouth breathing can impair salivary secretions
hair
reflection of general health status
- growth
- distribution
- pattern
eyes, ears and nose
sensitive sensory tissues
- prevent injury and discomfort
- ex: avoid getting soap in a patient’s eye
good hygiene practices
- support the function and stability of the skin, mucosa, and other structures
- promote a positive self-image
- provide comfort
good hygiene practices support the ____ and stability of the skin, mucosa, and other structures
function
communication skills ____ the therapeutic relationship
promote
hygiene activities provide opportunities for assessment
- physical condition
- emotional status
- health promotion practices
- health care education needs
follow the patient’s social practices
by using what products they want to use and following the frequency that they want to bathe
- types of products
- frequency
the patient’s socioeconomic status
affects the patient’s ability to maintain hygiene
following the patient’s personal preferences
fosters individualized care
ex: providing gender congruent care when they want it
the patient’s health beliefs and motivations
may help or hinder
ex: may only want a family member to see them that way in which that family member can do the hygiene care
these things will affect how you do hygiene
- social practices: types of products, frequency
- socioeconomic status: affects the patient’s ability to maintain hygiene
- personal preferences: fosters individualized care
- health beliefs and motivations: may help or hinder
- developmental stage: changes through the progression of life, patients with special needs
- physical condition: various illnesses and injuries (effect on the patient’s ability to perform independent self-care) and body image
nursing actions
- utilize knowledge
- consider the patient’s culture and developmental stage
- be nonjudgemental
- think outside the box
- implement professional standards (ex: American Diabetes Association, National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel)
- maintain confidence
process
- communicate with the patient: verify that the patient is agreeable to the timing and results of hygiene
- determine how to provide hygiene: adapt procedure to accommodate patient’s faculties and resources
- honor a patient’s requests for their hygiene routines
- prepare the patient to assist as much as they physically can
- encourage independence: allow the patient to perform as many activities as possible
- provide privacy: shut the door, close curtains
- maintain warmth: warm room temperature, keep body parts covered if not being bathed
safety
- keep bed rails up: when the patient is alone, on the side opposite the caregiver
- test the temperature of bathing solution or bath cloths before using
- practice proper body mechanics
summary of bath guidelines
- provide privacy
- maintain safety
- maintain warmth
- promote independence
- anticipate needs: ask if they’re in pain or nauseous before starting bed bath, so you can refrain or get pain meds and do a little later
benefits of bathing
- removes perspiration, dirt and bacteria
- helps prevent skin problems
- refreshes patient - comfort
- stimulates circulation / provides passive exercise
- opportunity for communication and physical assessment
baths
- shower: if patient is weak use shower chair
- partial or assisted bath
- sponge bath at the sink: bathe only those areas the patient cannot reach
- complete bed bath
- tub bath: immersion in a tub, often utilized in long-term care facilites
- bag bath: several warmed disposable cloths moistened with a no rinse solution
- therapeutic: Sitz - perineal and anal areas for treatment and comfort
perineal care
importance: prevent skin breakdown
risk factors:
- urinary and fecal incontinence
- rectal and perineal surgical dressings
- indwelling urinary catheters
- morbid obesity
encourage patients to perform own care
gender-congruent caregiver when possible
soap and water vs. Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG)
bath basins with soap and water
- reservoir for bacteria
- possible source of transmission of hospital-acquired infections
CHG and water: less bacterial growth in basins
CHG impregnated bathing cloths: disposable, no balms
other actions in the patient’s room
- clean up clutter
- maintain comfort: temperature, noise, lighting, ventilation, odors
- keep the over-the-bed table clean, do not set urinals or bedpans on it
changing sheets
- if the linens are not soiled, they do not have to be changed daily
- soiled linens should be changed as often as needed
- ambulatory patients: bed changes can be done while they are showering or using the bathroom
- bedridden patients: occupied bed making procedure
keep in mind to
- if possible, honor the patient’s requests
- medicate the patient for discomfort and allow time for effectiveness
- maintain physical safety: use side rails
- utilize proper body mechanics: raise the bed to a comfortable working height
- provide privacy: shut the door, close the curtains
- preserve the patient’s modesty
- during a patient’s bath, cover the clean areas after patting them dry
- keep the patient warm: room temperature and keeping the patient covered
- change gloves, using hand hygiene, especially after perineal, buttocks, and anal care
