Hygiene Flashcards
Unit 1
How does the body sustain its initial defense mechanisms against pathogens?
The physical barrier protects the internal parts of the body from the outside world.
The Langerhans cells in the skin sense and kill pathogens that are found on the skin trying to enter the body.
Mucous membranes serve as a physical barrier, lining various tracts and exposed areas of the body to block pathogens from entering and reaching tissues or blood.
The first line of defense that protects the teeth from plaque and pathogens is the enamel, a coating that is the hardest material in the human body.
Nails consist of layers of keratin that serve as protection for the distal ends of the fingers and toes.
What are the layers of skin from outermost layer to innermost layer?
Epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis
What are the impacts of hygiene on health?
Hygiene plays an essential role in keeping every client healthy.
Washing skin regularly keeps skin healthy by removing oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria that can cause skin breakdown.
Handwashing is an efficient method of preventing infection, as it decreases the transmission of germs from the nurse to the client and colonization of germs on the nurse transferred from the client.
Nursing considerations to take when providing foot care
Dry feet thoroughly after washing especially between the toes to prevent fungal infections. Apply location but to not apply between toes. Inspect feet for blisters, cuts, cracked skin, or redness to prevent infection.
What are the client-specific factors that can affect hygiene practices?
As clients age, they may resist showering or bathing due to illness, pain with mobility, fear of water, fear of falling, fear of temperature of water, and difficulty getting in and out of the shower or bath.
A client who has suffered a stroke may have difficulty performing personal hygiene because of motor function loss.
Clients who have bariatric care needs may have deep skin folds in the abdominal region, groin, gluteus maximus, under the breast, and behind the knees, elbows, ankles, and neck, impeding their ability to perform hygiene care.
Clients who have dementia may refuse to bathe, which can lead to skin breakdown and body odor.
What are HAIs?
Infections that are acquired in a health care facility (ex. hospital, nursing home, ambulatory care facility).
What is diaper dermatitis?
A condition in which the skin becomes inflamed in response to various substances such as urine, feces, fungal and bacterial infections, and allergic reaction to substances in the diaper.
Non-Comedogenic
Solutions that can hinder the clogging of pores.
Hemiplegia
Paralysis that affects one side of the body.
What are some hygiene devices that could assist a client who has an amputated limb?
A battery-powered toothbrush, a “tuning fork” flossing tool and an electric razor for shaving.
What are the procedures for providing hygiene-related care in a safe, comfortable environment?
Make sure to know the following procedures
All types of bathing
Linen Changes
Oral care
Denture care
Foot care
Perineal care
Nail care
