Cleaning Patients

clean from ____ to _____

cleanest to dirtiest

cleanest part of a patient’s body to start with?

face

before washing, what should we make sure the water is?

comfortable, warm temperature

how to protect patient privacy and dignity?

close doors and curtains before washing

when washing, what should the nurse do?

assess for skin abnormalities like wounds or rashes

2 methods of washing a patient

1. water basin, pH balanced soap, washcloths and towels

2. bathing wipes (no rinse needed)

when bathing a patient, we should only ____

assist as needed

• let the patient do what they can and offer to help with harder parts

where should we never put dirty linens?

on the floor.

• put them in the hamper

steps to a bed bath

1. HIPE

2. gather all your supplies

3. put on gloves, raise the bed to comfy height, lower the rail closest to you

4. remove sheets and gown (only parts that needs to be exposed)

5. wash face (cleanest)

6. wash arms

7. wash anterior torso

8. wash legs and feet

9. wash back

10. wash perineal area (dirtiest)

11. dry the patient as needed

12. put new gowns and sheets

nurses should try their best to do what with perineal care?

let the patient take care of it themselves

what should we assess for during perineal care?

skin abnormalities like wounds or rashes

order of washing for male genitalia

glans > shaft > scrotum >anus (top to bottom)

• uncircumcised: retract skin and REPLACE IT before continuing

order of washing for female genitalia

front to back/top to bottom

• one wipe for each labia majora

• one wipe down the middle

how often do we clean people who are incontinent/can’t control bladder or bowels?

every 2 hours

medical history and co-morbidities that can affect feet

• circulation issues

• diabetes

why should we always make a close assessment on feet’s appearance?

they can have wounds related to medical history

do nurses ever cut toenails?

no, nurses do not cut toenails

• a podiatrist is responsible for cutting toenails

when wiping feet, it is importantto ___

dry thoroughly between the toes

• moisture can cause fungus

what is the first thing you clean in a complete bath?

the face

what is used to clean the face?

only water, NO SOAP

what do you do with assistive devices (glasses, hearing aides etc) before cleaning the face?

take them off and keep them somewhere safe

how to clean eyes

move the wipe from the inner to outer corners

• prevents germs from going into the tear ducts

how to clean ears

clean behind and externally, do not clean the inside of the canal

how to clean nose

clean drainage, do not dig into the nostrils

when bathing, we should check the skin for any ____

abnormalities

what to consider when looking at skin abnormalities

• is it chronic or acute?

• is it painful?

• is it being treated?

what to never put on a patients skin

prescription creams

• only when instructor (no one else) is present

when can student nurses put prescription creams on patients?

when the instructor is present

how to prevent giving patient dry skin

• no super hot water

• not too much soap

• use hospital approved moisturizers and monitor fluid intake

methods of hair washing

• shampoo caps

• basin and neck roll

make sure to ____ when washing a patient’s scalp

report any sores and elisions

• also wear gloves

first step during oral care after HIPE

assess dentition

• see everything inside the mouth

type of mouthwash to avoid

alcohol based mouthwash

• can be very drying

how to clean patient’s teeth if they’re unconscious

put them in lateral position and maybe use suction tool

#1 rule during oral care

no fingers in patient’s mouth (they bite!!)

how to remove dentures

pull dentures out from the top of the gums

• don’t wedge fingers between their teeth

how to keep dentures safe when cleaning

• line sink with washcloth and brush

• or soak with tablet then rinse

how to clean denture users mouths

use toothbrush to clean gums

• replace dentures when done

steps to shaving

1. HIPE

2. gloves

3. protect clothing with something

4. warm face with damp washcloth

5. shaving cream

6. pull skin taut

7. shave beards in the same direction as growth

8. rinse with warm water

we always shave beards in the…

same direction as growth

what types of razors are used to shave patients on blood thinners?

electric razors

• disposable blades

why do we use electric razors instead of hand held ones?

less likely to knick and cause bleeding

• always monitor for bleeding