Personal Care Defined
Personal care is defined by bathing, oral care, and grooming. |
Institutionalization: People are creatures of habit, sometimes we may become too comfortable with receiving care that we lose our independence. It is important to encourage patients to provide self-care for themselves when they are able to. |
| |
Why is Hygiene Important? |
|
1. Safety: You are killing pathogens which may cause disease. Skin is particularly important to clean due to skin breakdown. |
2. Comfort & Well-being: People find dignity through not only being presented as properly groomed, but their self perception is positively influenced by being clean. |
Factors & Preferences of Self Care
Culture |
Religion |
Health |
Energy |
Knowledge |
Developmental Level |
Cognitive Ability |
Physical Ability |
Motivation |
How Nurses Provide Personal Care
DIPPS: Dignity, Independence, Privacy, Preference, Safety |
Knowledge: Cultural Practices, Therapeutic Communication, A&P (Clean to Dirty), Pathology, Nursing Process, Standard Precautions, Products Used |
Skills: Assessment, Standard Precautions, Organization, Body Mechanics, Client Teaching, Documentation |
Judgement: Client's Self-care Abilities, Appropriate Product Use, Bathing Techniques, Room Environment |
Attitude: Care, Respect, Empathy, Confidence, Flexibility, Non-Judgmental |
Assessments During Personal Care
Mucus Membranes |
Lesions, Open Areas, Bleeding, Dryness, Fungal Infections |
Skin |
Acne, Rash, Dermatitis, Dryness, Open Areas, Discharge |
Hair |
Dandruff, Alopecia, Scalp |
Nose |
Oxygen, Dryness, Discharge |
Ears |
Excessive Wax Build-up, Hearing |
Nails |
Ingrown Nails, Fungal Nails |
Feet |
Calluses, Warts, Fungal Infections |
Methods of Personal Care
*Shower |
At Sink |
*Over Toilet |
Tub Bath |
Total Bath |
Partial Bath |
Oral Care |
Dressing |
♦ Shower: Not recommended for certain patients, hard to breathe
♦ Over Toilet: Be mindful of care provided over the toilet, it can be demeaning.
|
|
Bathing Products
Warm Water |
Personal Soap |
Barrier Cream Products |
Basins |
Disposable Wipes |
Shampoo & Conditioner |
♦ Patients will usually have their own basins or personal wipes for infection control.
Bed Bath
Preparation: Privacy, Turn Heat Up, Warm Water |
Order to Wash: Eyes, Face & Neck, Arms, Chest, Legs, Back, Perineum |
♦ Wash clean to dirty to prevent infection spread from dirty areas to clean areas.
♦ Take extra care to dry folds to prevent skin breakdown.
Oral Care
Assessment |
Needs & Abilities prior to assistance, General Appearance, Odors, Pain, Mouth Structures, |
Examine |
Lips, Mucuous Membrances, Gums, Tongue, Teeth, Odor, Dentures, |
Types |
Brushing Teeth & Gums, Flossing, Denture Care |
♦ Oral care is provided BID (AM & PM) under normal circumstances.
♦ Before or after meals
♦ Q2H when client is: unconscious, unable to eat by mouth(NPO)
♦ Never put your fingers into an unconscious client's mouth, they may bite due to reflex.
Grooming
Accessories |
Glasses, Contacts, Artificial Eyes, Hearing Aids, Medical Necklaces & Bracelets |
Grooming |
Brush Hair, Lotions, Makeup As Wanted |
Additional Notes
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
|
