Hygiene Foundations

Factors affecting personal hygiene

Individual health status, culture, access to resources, and personal preferences/routines.

Physical Health benefits of personal hygiene

Cleanses and conditions skin, prevents infection. Promotes circulation, respiratory function, and musculoskeletal exercise.

Psychosocial Benefits of personal hygiene

Boosts self-image and sensory awareness.

Basic requirements for all types of hygiene care

Oral care & toileting.

Morning (AM) care

Bathing, dressing, hair care, bed linens, positioning.

Afternoon (PM) Care

Post-lunch comfort and repositioning.

Hours of Sleep (HS) Care

Fresh linen/clothing.

As-Needed Care (PRN)

Frequent oral care for ventilator-dependent patients, incontinence care for diaphoretic patients, patients who require turning.

Independent care (hygiene)

Patient performs all care; nurse provides supplies and safety.

Partial Care (hygiene)

Patient can do some tasks but needs help with others (e.g., washing back, feet, perineum).

Complete Care (hygiene)

Patient is unable to perform any hygiene task; nurse provides full care.

Why use firm long strokes during hygiene?

Promotes circulation.

General rule for hygiene cleaning direction

Clean from clean to dirty (e.g., eyes to butt).

Important instruction for CHG wipes

Do not rinse CHG wipes; do not use on face or genitals.

Oral Care Assessment

Assess for mouth sores, dryness, infection; document and report findings.

Oral care for aspiration risk patients

Elevate HOB, keep suction nearby.

Oral care for unconscious patients

Position patient on their side with head forward.

Risk associated with poor hygiene

Pneumonia.

Denture cleaning tools

Soft brush, non-abrasive; no toothpaste.

Water temperature for denture care

Use lukewarm water.

Important denture care instruction regarding meal trays

Never place dentures on a meal tray.

Direction for eye care cleaning

Inner to Outer Canthus.

Eye care for absent blink reflex

Use Artificial Tear Solution or Normal Saline every 4 hours.

Item to avoid for ear care

Do not use cotton swabs.

Hearing aid maintenance

Check batteries routinely; clean earpieces with mild soap and water or according to manufacturer instructions.

Diabetic foot care instructions

1. Use lukewarm water, avoid soaking.
2. Closely inspect for cuts, blisters, or signs of infection.
3. Check for loss of sensation (signs of poor circulation).
4. Never clip nails, file only.