Chapter 24: Daily Hygiene and Bathing

Vocabulary flashcards covering the types of daily care, bathing methods, and hygiene principles from Chapter 24.

Hygiene

Practices that promote comfort, safety, and health by cleansing the body, preventing odors, and increasing circulation.

Intact skin

The body’s first line of defense against disease that prevents microbes from entering the body and causing an infection.

Early morning/AM care

Routine hygiene care given before breakfast.

Morning care

Routine hygiene care given after breakfast.

Afternoon care

Routine hygiene care done after lunch and before the evening meal.

Evening/PM care

Routine hygiene care given in the evening at bedtime.

Complete bed bath

Washing the person’s entire body in bed; usually needed by persons who are unconscious, paralyzed, in casts or traction, or weak from illness or surgery.

Towel bath

A bathing method in which an oversized towel is used.

Bag bath

A bathing method using items that are commercially prepared or prepared at the agency.

Partial bath

Involves bathing the face, hands, axillae, back, buttocks, and perineal area.

Axillae

The medical term for underarms.

Perineal care (pericare)

Cleaning the genital and anal areas to prevent infection and odors and promote comfort.

Standard Precautions

Safety measures followed along with medical asepsis and the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard when providing perineal care.

Recording care

The official documentation of care given; if not recorded, it is assumed that care was not given.