Patient Hygiene Flashcards
Q: Why is assisting with a bed bath important in nursing care?
A:
Maintains the person’s hygiene, comfort, and dignity.
Allows assessment of skin integrity, including wounds and pressure areas.
Encourages independence by involving the person in their care.
Provides an opportunity to assess the person’s mobility and ability to follow instructions.
Q: What equipment is needed to assist with a bed bath?
A:
Apron and gloves
Soap or a suitable skin cleanser
Disposable cloths or cleansing wipes
Two large bowls (one for soapy water, one for rinsing)
Towels (at least two)
Barrier cream (if needed)
Clean bed linen, underwear, and nightwear
Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, and a glass of water
Rubbish bag and linen skip for soiled items
Q: What are the key infection control measures when giving a bed bath?
A:
Wear gloves when washing the genitals or handling contaminated linen.
Use standard precautions throughout the procedure.
Use disposable cloths to reduce cross-infection risk.
Replace dirty water and cloths frequently.
Q: How do you maintain the person’s privacy and dignity during a bed bath?
A:
Close curtains, doors, and use a “Do Not Disturb” sign.
Keep the person covered with towels and expose only the area being washed.
Speak respectfully and involve the person in decision-making.
Q: What steps should be followed when preparing for a bed bath?
A:
Introduce yourself and explain the procedure.
Obtain consent from the person.
Perform hand hygiene and wear an apron.
Prepare and organize all equipment within reach.
Ensure the environment is warm and draught-free.
Q: How should the face be washed during a bed bath?
A:
Ask if the person wants soap on their face.
Use a clean, damp cloth to wash the eyes first (inner to outer), then the forehead, cheeks, ears, nose, and neck.
Rinse well and pat dry with a towel.
Q: What is the correct method for washing the arms and hands?
A:
Place a clean towel under the arm.
Wash the hand, arm, and axilla with soap and water.
Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Offer to let the person soak their hands in water if they wish.
Q: How should the torso and back be washed and dried?
A:
Wash the chest and abdomen, avoiding wetting dressings or medical devices.
For the back, roll the person gently, wash with soap, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
Apply barrier cream if needed for pressure area care.
Q: How do you properly wash a person’s legs and feet during a bed bath?
A:
Uncover one leg at a time, placing a towel underneath.
Wash, rinse, and dry the leg, focusing on skin folds and between the toes.
Repeat for the other leg.
Q: What is the correct technique for genital and perineal care?
A:
Obtain consent and offer the person the chance to wash themselves.
Use disposable cloths and fresh water.
For females: Clean from front to back.
For males: Gently retract the foreskin (if uncircumcised), wash, and return it to position.
Q: How do you change the bed linen during a bed bath?
A:
Roll the person to one side and roll the soiled sheet inward.
Place the clean sheet beside them.
Roll the person onto the clean sheet, remove the old sheet, and pull through the clean one.
Q: How do you assist with oral care during a bed bath?
A:
Offer to brush the person’s teeth or dentures.
Use a toothbrush with toothpaste or clean dentures with soap and rinse well.
Check the mouth for sores or ulcers.
Q: What steps are involved in finalizing the bed bath?
A:
Dress the person in clean nightwear or clothes.
Ensure they are comfortable with pillows and blankets adjusted.
Replace personal items and ensure the call bell is within reach.
Document the care provided in the person’s notes.
Q: Why is skin inspection important during a bed bath?
A:
Allows early detection of pressure ulcers and skin damage.
Check bony prominences (heels, sacrum, elbows) for redness or sores.
Apply barrier cream and implement pressure relief strategies if needed.
Q: What safety measures should be taken during a bed bath?
A:
Ensure the bed is at a safe working height to protect carer posture.
Lock the bed brakes to prevent movement.
Keep the person’s call bell within reach for safety.
Check for obstacles around the bed to prevent falls.
Q: Why is it important to assess pain and comfort before and during a bed bath?
A:
Ask about pain levels before starting.
Offer pain relief if needed.
Frequently check for signs of discomfort or fatigue during the bath.
Adjust the pace to the person’s comfort level.
Q: How should cultural and personal hygiene preferences be respected?
A:
Ask about personal care routines, preferences, or religious practices.
Offer same-gender carers if requested.
Allow the person to choose preferred products (soap, lotion).
Respect their privacy and autonomy.
Q: Why is maintaining warm water important during a bed bath?
A:
Use warm, not hot water to prevent burns or chills.
Regularly check the water’s temperature and replace it when cool.
Warm water promotes comfort and improves circulation.
Q: How should waste be disposed of after a bed bath?
A:
Dispose of used items in the appropriate bins (e.g., clinical waste, linen skips).
Clean and store reusable equipment per infection control policies.
Remove gloves and apron safely, then perform hand hygiene.
Q: Why is mouth care important in a hospital setting?
A:
Maintains oral hygiene, comfort, and dignity.
Prevents gum disease, dry mouth, halitosis, dental caries, and infections.
Supports patients with chewing, swallowing, medication intake, and communication.
Linked to prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease.
Q: Which patients are at higher risk for poor oral health in hospitals?
A:
Patients with physical, medical, or cognitive impairments.
Those receiving chemotherapy, steroids, or immunosuppressants.
Patients with dementia, diabetes, or learning disabilities.
People at the end of life or those with poor nutrition.
Q: What are the key components of a Mouth Care Assessment Tool?
A:
Tongue: Pink/moist, coated, swollen, blistered.
Teeth/Dentures: Clean, debris, ill-fitting, or decayed.
Saliva: Present, thick, dry, or absent.
Mucous Membranes: Pink, red, white areas, ulcers.
Lips: Smooth, cracked, bleeding, ulcerated.
Pain Level: Free, intermittent, or uncontrolled.
Q: What equipment is required for providing effective mouth care?
A:
Soft toothbrush or the patient’s own toothbrush.
Fluoride toothpaste (non-foaming for dry mouth).
Disposable gloves and apron.
Mouth moisturising gel or lip balm.
Spatula and pen torch for examination.
Mouthwash (as appropriate).
Q: How should you prepare a patient for mouth care?
A:
Explain the procedure and gain consent.
Ensure the patient is sitting upright for safety.
Provide privacy and protect clothing with a towel.
Perform hand hygiene and wear PPE.
Q: How should you clean a patient’s natural teeth?
A:
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Hold the toothbrush at a 45° angle.
Brush using small circular motions for 2–3 minutes.
Clean gums and tongue gently, avoiding the back of the tongue.
Q: How do you care for a patient with dentures?
A:
Assess for cracks or poor fit.
Clean dentures with a soft brush and fragrance-free soap (not toothpaste).
Remove dentures at night to prevent infections like thrush.
Soak dentures in chlorhexidine if fungal infection is present.
Q: What are key infection control measures for mouth care?
A:
Wear gloves and a disposable apron.
Use disposable cloths and replace dirty water regularly.
Clean and store reusable equipment appropriately.
Follow local infection control policies.
Q: How can you manage a dry mouth (xerostomia) in patients?
A:
Offer frequent sips of water.
Apply moisturising gel or use a humidifier.
Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.
Use non-foaming, SLS-free toothpaste.
Q: How should oral care be managed for patients on oxygen therapy?
A:
Use water-based lubricants instead of petroleum products.
Consider humidified oxygen for prolonged therapy.
Assess for dryness and discomfort regularly.
Q: What strategies can help patients who refuse mouth care?
A:
Use distraction, mirroring, and short bursts of care.
Remain calm and kind to reduce anxiety.
Involve family or carers when appropriate.
Q: How should you manage a patient with oral thrush?
A:
Identify white/red patches on the tongue or mouth.
Administer antifungal medications like nystatin or fluconazole.
Maintain regular oral hygiene to prevent recurrence.
Q: How should you care for patients with swallowing difficulties?
A:
Use oral suctioning if needed.
Apply soft brushes or mouth swabs carefully.
Monitor for aspiration risk.
Q: What documentation is required after providing mouth care?
A:
Record the assessment, care plan, and outcomes.
Note any issues observed (e.g., ulcers, bleeding).
Update any changes in the patient’s oral health status.
Q: How can patients receiving enteral or parenteral nutrition maintain oral health?
A:
Provide regular mouth care to prevent dryness and infection.
Encourage moisturising gels and frequent oral assessments.
Monitor for plaque buildup and fungal infections.
Q: How should lip care be provided in a hospital setting?
A:
Offer lip balm for dry or cracked lips.
Apply with a gloved finger or gauze if the patient cannot self-apply.
Avoid petroleum-based products for oxygen therapy patients.
Q: How often should mouth care be provided in a hospital setting?
A:
Twice daily for most patients.
Every 1–2 hours for critically ill, unconscious, or ventilated patients.
More frequently if the patient has dry mouth, is nil by mouth, or receiving oxygen therapy.
Q: What are common signs of poor oral health in hospitalized patients?
A:
Bleeding or inflamed gums.
Dry mouth or cracked lips.
Halitosis (bad breath).
Ulcers, white patches, or oral thrush.
Loose or damaged teeth and ill-fitting dentures.
Q: How can aspiration be prevented during mouth care?
A:
Position the patient in an upright or side-lying position.
Use minimal fluids and avoid excessive rinsing.
Apply oral suction to remove excess secretions.
Use soft brushes or swabs for patients with swallowing difficulties.
Q: How should oral care be adapted for end-of-life patients?
A:
Focus on comfort and moisture control.
Use soft swabs and moisturising gels.
Apply lip balm regularly to prevent cracking.
Avoid products that could cause discomfort (e.g., strong mouthwashes).
Q: Why is patient and caregiver education important in oral care?
A:
Empowers patients to maintain oral hygiene after discharge.
Reduces the risk of infections and dental problems.
Informs about the proper use of oral care products and equipment.
Encourages timely reporting of oral health issues.
Q: Why is facial shaving important in patient care?
A:
Maintains a patient’s hygiene, comfort, and dignity.
Supports the person’s sense of well-being and self-esteem.
Provides an opportunity to assess skin integrity.
Q: What are key infection control measures during facial shaving?
A:
Use razors and shaving brushes for a single named person only.
Wear gloves if the carer or patient has broken skin or is known to have an infection.
Follow correct hand hygiene and wear a disposable apron.
Dispose of razors and blades according to local policy.
Q: What equipment is needed for facial shaving?
A:
Shaving foam/gel
Disposable razor or electric razor
Bowl of warm water
Disposable gloves and apron
Towels and gauze
Mirror
Aftershave lotion (if requested)
Q: When should an electric razor be used instead of a manual razor?
A:
For patients at high risk of bleeding (e.g., on anticoagulants or with haemophilia).
When the skin is sensitive or has minor cuts.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and cleaning.
Q: How should you prepare the patient for shaving?
A:
Introduce yourself and explain the procedure.
Obtain the patient’s consent.
Assess the skin for cuts, soreness, or irritation.
Ensure privacy by closing curtains or the door.
Help the patient sit upright if possible.
Q: What is the correct shaving technique with a manual razor?
A:
Apply warm water and shaving foam to soften the skin.
Hold the skin taut with one hand and the razor at a 45° angle.
Shave in the direction of hair growth to prevent irritation.
Start with the cheeks, move to the chin and upper lip, and finish with the neck.
Q: How should you manage cuts during shaving?
A:
Apply firm pressure with clean gauze until bleeding stops.
Monitor for excessive bleeding, especially in patients on anticoagulants.
Q: How do you care for shaving equipment after use?
A:
Dispose of used razors in a sharps container.
Clean and store the patient’s own equipment in their locker.
Dispose of other materials (e.g., towels, gloves) according to infection control policy.
Q: How can you maintain a patient’s privacy and dignity during shaving?
A:
Offer the option to shave in the bathroom if mobile.
If at the bedside, close curtains and ensure good lighting.
Keep the patient covered with a towel and only expose the area being shaved.
Q: What should you do after completing the shave?
A:
Wash the patient’s face to remove any residual foam.
Pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
Offer to apply aftershave lotion if desired.
Help the patient to reposition and ensure they are comfortable.
Document the care provided in the patient’s notes.
Q: How do you assess a patient’s skin before shaving?
A:
Check for cuts, sores, or irritated areas.
Ask about the patient’s shaving preferences (e.g., keeping sideburns).
Adjust the technique based on skin condition and personal choice.
Q: What special considerations should be made for cultural or personal preferences in shaving?
A:
Respect cultural or religious beliefs that may prohibit shaving.
Document any preferences in the patient’s care plan to avoid repeated questioning.
Offer to use the patient’s own shaving products if available.
Q: How do you properly handle an electric razor?
A:
Check the razor for safety before use.
Clean and disinfect the razor according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use disposable razor heads if shared equipment is necessary, and dispose of heads after each use.
Q: What should you do if the patient declines shaving?
A:
Respect their decision and do not pressure them.
Offer to assist at another time.
Record the refusal in the patient’s notes.
Q: Why is it important to assess for pain and skin sensitivity before shaving?
A:
Identifies conditions like rashes, skin infections, or bruising that may be aggravated by shaving.
Helps prevent discomfort or skin damage.
Allows adjustment of the technique or use of sensitive skin products.
Q: How can patients be involved in their own shaving care?
A:
Encourage patients to shave independently if safe to do so.
Offer assistance with difficult-to-reach areas.
Provide a mirror and ensure all equipment is within easy reach.
Q: How should facial shaving be adapted for bedridden or immobile patients?
A:
Raise the bed to a safe working height for the carer.
Gently turn the patient’s head or body for better access.
Use minimal water to prevent bed linen from getting wet.
Keep the patient comfortable and supported throughout.
Q: Why is post-shave skin care important?
A:
Applying moisturizer or aftershave balm prevents dryness and irritation.
Soothes the skin and restores moisture balance.
Reduces the risk of skin cracking or developing razor burns.
Q: How should you manage razor burns or skin irritation after shaving?
A:
Apply a cool, damp cloth to soothe the skin.
Use an alcohol-free aftershave or a gentle moisturizer.
Avoid shaving the area until the skin has healed.
Monitor for signs of infection or worsening irritation.
Q: Why is dignity important in healthcare?
A:
Dignity is a human right and a fundamental standard of care.
It ensures patients feel valued, respected, and in control.
The NMC and CQC require nurses and care workers to uphold dignity in care.
Q: How does the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) define dignity?
A:
Dignity means treating people as being of worth in a respectful and valued way.
When dignity is upheld, people feel confident, comfortable, and empowered to make decisions.
When absent, people feel humiliated, devalued, and ashamed.
Q: What are key aspects of preserving dignity in care settings?
A:
Privacy of space, body, and personal information.
Encouraging independence and offering choices.
Providing individualized care and effective communication.
Creating a supportive environment.
Q: How can healthcare workers maintain a patient’s privacy?
A:
Expose only the area being cared for, keeping the rest of the body covered.
Knock before entering a room and use curtains or privacy signs.
Speak discreetly about personal information.
Q: What are effective communication strategies to promote dignity?
A:
Introduce yourself and explain procedures clearly.
Use the patient’s preferred name and maintain eye contact.
Listen with empathy and respond to concerns.
Offer choices and involve the patient in their care.
Q: How can carers support patients with communication difficulties?
A:
Use non-verbal communication (e.g., gestures, facial expressions).
Involve family members when appropriate.
Utilize tools like the “This is me” document to understand preferences.
Q: What role does the care environment play in promoting dignity?
A:
A clean, comfortable, and welcoming physical space helps patients feel cared for.
A positive organisational culture fosters compassionate and dignified care.
Q: What are the seven principles for social care workers to promote dignity?
A:
Show respect.
Use compassion.
Enable choices.
Promote social inclusion.
Ensure privacy.
Offer flexible care.
Collaborate on care decisions.
Q: How can carers promote independence during care?
A:
Allow patients to complete tasks they can manage.
Offer small choices (e.g., clothing, grooming).
Encourage participation in personal care.
Q: Why is understanding personal preferences important in care?
A:
It aligns care with the person’s identity and dignity.
Prevents delivering impersonal or task-focused care.
Encourages meaningful conversations and connection.
Q: How should carers manage essential care tasks with dignity?
A:
Provide care with privacy and respect.
Avoid rushing and be gentle and attentive.
Engage patients in decisions about their daily routines.
Q: What risks arise from neglecting personal care?
A:
Can lead to discomfort, pain, incontinence, poor hygiene, and skin breakdown.
Neglecting personal care may be considered a form of abuse.
Q: How should carers handle cultural or religious preferences in care?
A:
Respect beliefs about modesty, privacy, and care routines.
Offer care from a same-gender caregiver if requested.
Adapt care to align with cultural values.
Q: How can carers build a person-centered approach in care?
A:
Learn about the person’s history, hobbies, and interests.
Use conversation starters based on their life experiences.
Personalize care beyond just performing tasks.
Q: How can carers prepare the environment for dignified care?
A:
Organize necessary items to avoid disrupting care.
Ensure privacy by closing doors, curtains, and using signage.
Maintain a clean and comfortable space.
Q: Why is it important to involve family members in care decisions?
A:
Families provide insight into the patient’s preferences and needs.
Family involvement ensures more personalized care.
Helps when patients cannot communicate their wishes.
Q: How can carers ensure privacy during personal care?
A:
Only expose the area being cleaned, keeping the rest of the body covered.
Use towels or blankets during transfers.
Knock before entering and avoid discussing personal information publicly.
Q: What small actions can improve patient dignity in daily care?
A:
Using the patient’s preferred name.
Offering choices in clothing and hygiene products.
Listening and responding to concerns.
Q: What is the role of carers in advocating for a patient’s dignity?
A:
Speak up if a patient’s privacy, choices, or preferences are being overlooked.
Report concerns to senior staff if care practices compromise respect or comfort.
Ensure the patient’s voice is heard in care planning.
Q: Why is ongoing staff training important for promoting dignity?
A:
Updates carers on best practices in person-centered care.
Reinforces the importance of respectful communication and privacy.
Increases awareness of cultural and individual differences.
Encourages reflection on personal care approaches.
