Hygiene

Florence Nightingale on hygiene

Her writings spoke to:

• Cleanliness of rooms and walls

• Bedding

• Cleanliness of the nurse

• Cleanliness of the patient

• Clean air and water

• Prevention

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• Patient's own ability to participate: set expectations; if they can do it, let them

• Families desire to participate

• Activity limits or restrictions

• May be delegated to UAP but RN is ultimately responsible

• Cultural influences

• Socioeconomic factors

• Maintain dignity

• Patient safety

skin changes in older adults

very fragile and easy to bruise or tear

xerostomia

dry mouth

Identify Cues / Assessment needed

• Skin inspection –

• Oral issues – ask about teeth? assess mouth

• Peripheral skin issues –

• Hygiene status and preferences

• Ability to do self-care safely: what can you do yourself? what do you need assistance with?

Hygiene care (basic care and comfort)

• bathing

• eye/ear care

• oral care

• foot care

• foot care

• perineal care