Hygiene (32)

Alopecia

absence or loss of hair

Caries

cavities of the teeth

Cerumen

• wax in the external ear canals

• consisting of a heavy oil and brown pigment

Cheilosis

• an ulceration and dry scaling of the lips

• has fissures at the angles of the mouth

Gingivitis

• an inflammation of the gingiva

• the tissue that surrounds the teeth.

Glossitis

• an inflammation of the tongue

• can be caused by deficiencies of vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron.

Halitosis

• a strong mouth odor or a persistent bad taste in the mouth

• may be the first indication of periodontal disease.

• Regular treatment by a dentist is imperative.

Pediculosis

• the infestation of lice

• can be spread directly by contact with the hair of infested people.

• transmission is less common through indirect contact with clothing, bed linen, brushes, and combs from infested people.

Pediculus Humanus Capitis

lice infests the hair and scalp

Pediculus Humanus Corporis

when lice infests the body

Phthirus Pubis

• when lice infest the shorter hairs on the body

• usually the pubic and axillary hair.

Periodontitis

• a marked inflammation of the gums

• involves degeneration of the dental periosteum (tissues) and bone.

• symptoms: bleeding gums; swollen, red, painful gum tissues; pus that appears when gums are pressed; and loose teeth.

Personal Hygiene

• measures for maintaining a minimal level of personal cleanliness and grooming

• promotes physical and psychological well-being.

Plaque

• invisible, destructive, bacterial film that builds up on teeth

Stomatitis

• an inflammation of the oral mucosa

• causes include bacteria, viruses, mechanical trauma, irritants, nutritional deficiencies, and systemic infection.

• symptoms: heat, pain, increased flow of saliva, and halitosis.

Tartar

• hard deposit on the teeth near the gum line

• formed by plaque buildup and dead bacteria

Jaundice

• a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes (sclera)

• caused by an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood

Finger Clubbing

• a physical deformity

• characterized by the bulbous uniform swelling of the soft tissue at the terminal fingertips

• a loss of the normal angle between the nail plate and nail bed

• aka: digital clubbing or Hippocratic fingers

Self-Care Deficit

• a formal nursing diagnosis

• when a patient has an impaired ability to perform or complete their own basic daily living activities independently.

Sitz Bath

• the immersion of the buttocks and perineum in a small basin of continuously circulating water.

• removes blood, serum, stool, or urine.