hygiene

What six factors affect personal hygiene

Culture, socioeconomic class, spiritual practices, developmental level, health state, and personal preferences

How can culture affect personal hygiene

Culture can influence bathing, grooming, hair care, products used, modesty, and caregiver preferences

How can socioeconomic status affect hygiene

It may affect access to hygiene supplies, clean water, laundry services, and dental care

How can spiritual practices affect hygiene

They may influence bathing, hair care, modesty, timing of care, and caregiver gender

How does developmental level affect hygiene

Age and physical/cognitive abilities influence how independently a person can perform hygiene

How can health status affect personal hygiene

Illness, weakness, pain, paralysis, confusion, or other conditions may decrease the ability to perform self-care

Why should personal preferences be considered

Hygiene is personal, and respecting routines and preferences promotes dignity and participation

What questions should the nurse ask about a skin problem

How long it has been present, whether it bothers or itches, how it affects the patient, and what relieves it

Which patients are at increased risk for oral hygiene problems

Patients who are ill, comatose, dehydrated, confused, depressed, paralyzed, or malnourished

What other condition increases risk for oral problems

Mouth breathing because it dries the oral mucosa

What prosthetic devices should the nurse identify

Dentures, eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids, and other visual/hearing prosthetics

What should the nurse ask about hair and scalp care

The usual routine and any changes in hair amount, texture, or distribution

What history should be obtained about nails and feet

Usual nail/foot care, footwear, and history of nail or foot problems

What perineal history is important

Incontinence, catheter use, genital/rectal surgery, UTIs, diabetes, STIs, and other problems

How should the nurse assess the skin

Use good light, compare bilateral areas, use standard terminology, and let the history guide the assessment

Why compare bilateral body parts

To recognize abnormal asymmetry or differences

What areas should be examined during oral assessment

Lips, buccal mucosa, gums, teeth, tongue, hard and soft palates, and oropharynx

What should be assessed on the lips

Color, moisture, ulcers, cracking, and lesions

What should be assessed in the buccal mucosa

Color, moisture, bleeding, and lesions

What should be assessed about the tongue

Appearance, symmetry, condition, and movement

What common oral problems are listed in the PowerPoint

Caries/plaque, gingivitis, periodontitis, tartar, halitosis, stomatitis, glossitis, cheilosis, and dry mucosa

What is dental plaque

A soft bacterial deposit that forms on the teeth

What is tartar

Plaque that has hardened or mineralized

What is gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums

What is periodontitis

Severe gum inflammation involving degeneration of supporting dental tissues and bone

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis

Gingivitis affects the gums; periodontitis involves deeper tissues and bone

What is halitosis

bad breath

What is stomatitis

Inflammation of the oral mucous membranes

What is glossitis

Inflammation of the tongue

What is cheilosis

Cracking or ulceration of the lips, often associated with vitamin B-complex deficiency

What is dry oral mucosa

Abnormally dry mucous membranes in the mouth

What should be assessed in the eyes, ears, and nose

Distribution, position, alignment, cerumen, tenderness, patency, dryness, edema, bleeding, and discharge

What should be assessed in the hair and scalp

Texture, cleanliness, oiliness, scaling, lesions, inflammation, infection, dandruff, hair loss, and lice

What is alopecia

Partial or complete hair loss

What is pediculosis

Lice infestation

How can pediculosis spread

Through direct contact or contaminated clothing, bedding, combs, or brushes

What should be assessed in nails and feet

Cleanliness, intactness, color, nail-bed contour, capillary refill, swelling, inflammation, and lesion

What should be assessed in the perineal and vaginal area

Color, lesions, swelling, inflammation, excoriation, tenderness, discharge, and odor

What does early morning care include

Toileting, face/hand washing, mouth care, and comfort measures

When is AM care usually completed

after breakfast

What does AM care include

Toileting, oral care, bathing, skin care, hair care, dressing, and positioning

What other activities may be included in AM care

Bed-linen changes, cosmetics, bedside organization, and comfort measures

What does afternoon or PM care include

Comfort, toileting, handwashing, oral care, straightening linens, and repositioning

What does hour-of-sleep care include

Toileting, washing, oral care, clean clothing/linens, comfortable positioning, and safety

What safety measure is essential after HS care

Place the call light and other needed objects within reach

What is PRN care

Hygiene care provided whenever the patient's condition or needs require it

What should be done for a diaphoretic patient

Change wet clothing and bed linens

How often may oral care be needed when indicated

Every 2 hours

What are the purposes of bathing

Cleanliness, comfort, relaxation, circulation, exercise, sensory input, improved self-image, and relationship building

How can bathing help with assessment

It gives the nurse an opportunity to evaluate skin, mobility, pain, fatigue, and independence

What should be done before giving a bed bath

Gather supplies, provide privacy, and make supplies accessible

What should replace the top linens during a bed bath

A bath blanket

How much help should the nurse provide during bathing

Only as much as the patient needs

What direction should a bed bath follow

Cleaner areas before dirtier areas

Which body area is usually cleaned last

The perineal/genital area

Why should the patient remain covered during bathing

To maintain warmth, dignity, and privacy

How should the nurse encourage independence during bathing

Allow the patient to wash any areas they can safely reach and clean themselves

What should the nurse do during perineal care

Assess for problems and perform care in a dignified, matter-of-fact manner

What does the PowerPoint recommend for cleansing the vaginal area

Plain soap and water

What direction is used for female perineal care

Front to back

Why clean front to back

To reduce transfer of microorganisms from the anus toward the urethra

What must be done after cleaning an uncircumcised male

Return the foreskin to its normal position

Is monthly douching recommended for odor control

No. The PowerPoint identifies this as false

What activities are included in oral hygiene

Moistening and cleaning the mouth, denture care, brushing, flossing, and mouthwash

What is a major purpose of oral hygiene

Maintain cleanliness, comfort, and the integrity of the oral cavity

What position is safest for dependent oral care when aspiration is a concern

Side-lying when appropriate

What is the priority with an unconscious patient's oral care

Prevent aspiration

How should dentures be handled

Remove carefully, clean thoroughly, and store safely when not worn

Why avoid very hot water with dentures

It can distort them

In what direction should the eye be cleaned

Inner canthus to outer canthus

What can be used to clean the eye

A warm wet cloth, cotton ball, or compress

What may be used if the blink reflex is absent

Artificial tear solution or normal saline every 4 hours if indicated

What eye-related devices may require care

Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and artificial eyes

How should the external ear be cleaned

With a washcloth-covered finger

What should not be inserted into the ear canal

Cotton-tipped swabs

How should the nose be cleaned if both nares are patent

Have the patient blow the nose

What can soften crusted secretions around the nose

A warm, moist compress

What should the nurse identify before providing hair care

The patient's usual scalp/hair routine and styling preferences

What hair and scalp problems should be assessed

Dandruff, hair loss, lesions, infection, inflammation, lice, and ticks

What razor should be used for a patient receiving anticoagulants

An electric razor

Why is an electric razor used for patients on anticoagulants

To decrease the risk of cuts and bleeding

What nail characteristics should be assessed

Color, shape, intactness, cleanliness, and tenderness

When may the nurse soak and trim nails

When it is appropriate and not contraindicated

Why do patients with diabetes require special foot care

Injury may be unnoticed and healing may be impaired

What should patients with diabetes inspect daily

Their feet for cuts, redness, sores, blisters, or other injury

Should high-risk patients walk barefoot

No, because footwear protects against unnoticed injury

Where should the bed be after hygiene care

In its lowest safe position

What should be done with the bed wheels

Lock them

Where should the call light be placed

Within the patient's reach

When should side rails be used

When indicated or requested based on the patient's safety needs

What skin-care topics should be included in teaching

Soaps, cleansers, deodorants, cosmetics, sunscreen, and tick checks

Why should overly hot water be avoided on fragile skin

It can irritate, dry, or injure the skin

How should fragile skin be dried

Gently pat it rather than rubbing vigorously

What helps manage dry skin

Gentle cleansing and appropriate moisturizers

What should be done after urine or stool contacts the skin

Clean promptly, dry gently, and protect against continued moisture

How can incontinence damage the skin

Moisture and irritants can cause excoriation and skin breakdown

What is the best approach to a patient who needs some help with hygiene

Assist only where needed and encourage independence

How should privacy be maintained

Close the door/curtain and expose only the area being cleaned

Why should perineal care be matter-of-fact

It helps preserve dignity and reduce embarrassment

What outcomes show that hygiene interventions are effective

Greater participation, fewer barriers, improved skin problems, and better independent self-care