Basic Care & Comfort: Hygiene

Which types of clients should have their toenails trimmed ONLY by an HCP?

Diabetics, peripheral vascular disease, VERY THICK NAILS.

2 purposes of bed bath are…

Cleanse the skin, provide comfort

The typical hospital client (should/ should not) weir their dentures.

Should

What type of movement should be used for cleansing eyes?

Inner to outer canthus

Before applying elastic hose, the nurse should…

Elevate the client’s legs for 3 to 5 minutes to decrease venous stasis

Clients on what class of drugs should use an electric razor?

Anticoagulants (heparin/coumadin/lovenox)

When a client is unable to hold their dentures firmly in their mouth, the nurse should…

Leave them out

How often should mouth care be performed for those clients on oxygen?

Leave them out

How often should mouth care be performed for those clients on oxygen?

Every 2 hours

Should linens be shaken or patted into place during bed making? Why or why not?

No, both shaking and patting spread microorganisms.

How often should mouth care be given to mouth breathers?

Every 2 hours

Should lemon & glycerin swabs be used to cleanse the mouth?

No, they are not cleansing agents. They are used AFTER cleansing as a moistening agent.

How should a client’s toenails be trimmed?

Straight across

Are the nurses permitted to give perineal care to clients of the opposite sex?

Yes

Clients on what type of therapy must use a safety blade razor (non-electric)?

Oxygen therapy; since an electric razor could cause sparks.

How should a nurse carry soiled linen?

In a neat bundle held away from the body.

When giving a bed bath on which body part should the nurse begin work?

The eyes

Give 3 reasons for giving a back rub

Comfort, stimulate circulation, relaxation stimulates muscle….

The greatest danger in placing water in the mouth of the unconscious patient during oral hygiene is…

Aspiration

When shaving a client, water used should be more (hot/cold) than bath water?

Hot

What does evening or hour of sleep (hs) care consist of?

Oral hygiene, washing face/hands, back rubs, & tightening linens.

What is dentifrice?

Agents which promote adherence of dentures to gums, i.e., Polygrip.

What is sordes?

Crusts on the tongue and gums due to improper oral hygiene.

What action will facilitate the trimming of brittle toenails ?

Soaking in warm water.

Should the client roll the elastic stocking down to wash legs? Why or why not?

No, it can cause a constricting band about the ankle/foot.

Elastic stockings should be removed for the bath. (T/F)?

TRUE

When should a patient put on TED hose?

Before getting out of bed (before the swelling occurs).