Hygiene Flashcards
- Giving a Bed Bath - Mouth Care - Shaving Patients - Nail care - Washing a Patient's Hair in Bed
What must be maintained at all times when giving a patient a bed bath?
their privacy and dignity
What oppurtunity does giving a bed bath offer to nurses?
A full assesment of the patient’s skin integrity. (i.e. wound etc)
Assesment of patient’s mobility
How can a nurse promote independence in patient having a bed bath?
Encourage patient, to the best of their ability,to participate in the wash
What factors should be taken into account prior to giving a bed bath?
- Individual needs,
- Culture
- Gender
When 2 carers are washing a patients, what should not happen above the patient?
Personal conversations.
Prior to allowing a member of family to assist what should you make sure of?
that you have the patient’s consent.
What should encourage relatives to bring for a bed bath?
the patient’s own toiletries.
How often should you obtain fresh water?
As often as needed especially when it becomes cold or dirty and after washing the genitals, buttocks and sacral region.
when is it necessary to wear gloves during a bed bath?
- when washing genitals and sacral area
- patients with broken skin, known or suspected infections
- Healthcare professional has broken skin on hands
Prior to performing the entire bed bath procedure what should you do?
introduce yourself and obtain consent from the patient.
Prior to performing the entire bed bath procedure what should you do?
introduce yourself and obtain consent from the patient.
Where should you NOT obtain water for a bed bath and why?
The sluice room sink as this can get very hot
Where should you obtain water for a bed bath and why?
From a bathroom or hand wahing sink since the water temp is monitored
How many towels do you need for bed baths and why?
At least 2 to maintain dignity
Why do you need at least 2 towels?
to maintain dignity
How many large bowls do you need and why?
at least 2, one for soapy water and one for rinsing
What type of cloths should be used in a bed bath?
disposable cloths
Why should disposable cloths be used?
they are more hygienic
Why should cloth flannels not be used for a bed bath?
Bacteria will multiply in the wet warm environment of flannels
In what order should the body be washed?
- face
- arms
- torso
- legs/feet/toes
- genitalia
- sacral area
what should you do after washing each body part?
dry the body part.
When washing a female torso what should you ensure?
the underneath of the breast is clean.
When washing a patient’s feet what should you ensure?
that you clean in between the toes
How should you clean an uncircumsised male’s genitalia?
obtain consent
retract foreskin and clean end
How should female genitalia be cleaned?
from front to back
Why should female genitalia be cleaned from fron to back?
to redice risk of cross-infection
Where should you NOT place a non-disposable bowl after a bed bath
sluice room
