Hygiene and Grooming

Question 1

bathing

Answer 1

promotes circulation, relaxation, self-esteem (and indirectly, social life), removes dead skin and microorganisms. You do not get the same benefits from a bed bath, so that is a last resort. In LTC, a bed bath must often be approved by the nurse after all other measures have been exhausted.

Question 2

if client refuses bath

Answer 2

PSW should first attempt to find the reason for the refusal and address that reason as appropriate. If no reason can be found, re-approach the client at a later time. After re-approaching twice, if the client is still refusing notify the nurse.

Question 3

RUF

Answer 3

When removing clothing for a bath, if a person has one sided weakness, always remove clothing from the unaffected side first. When putting clothing on, start with the affected side. (REMOVE UNAFFECTED SIDE FIRST)

Question 4

oral care benefits

Answer 4

improving the ability to taste
preventing odor and infection
preventing buildup of tarter and plaque

Question 5

when is oral care done/how often

Answer 5

Oral care should be completed at the preferred times and frequency of the individual client, but should be offered at least twice a day.

Question 6

what to do if client is unconscious (oral care)?

Answer 6

If the client is unconscious and requires mouth care (at least q2h please!), you may need to hold their mouth open with a tongue depressor

Question 7

What temperature should water be when cleaning dentures?

Answer 7

When cleaning dentures, be certain to use warm water, never hot water. Hot water may result in warping of the denture so that they no longer fit properly.

Question 8

Alopecia

Answer 8

hair loss

Question 9

Hirsutism

Answer 9

excessive hair growth

Question 10

Under what circumstances can PSWs cut hair?

Answer 10

Never

Question 11

When are gloves worn for back rubs?

Answer 11

If there is an open sore/rash