Bed Bathing, Comfort, and Hygiene Practice Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the essential procedures, rationales, and terminology for bed bathing, patient positioning, and basic hygiene care as described in the lecture notes.

Purpose of Bed Bath

To remove transient microorganisms, body secretions and excretions, and dead skin cells, while stimulating circulation and promoting a sense of well-being.

Bed Bath Water Temperature

The water in the basin or sink should be kept between $43^{\circ}\text{C}$ and $46^{\circ}\text{C}$ ($110^{\circ}\text{F}$ and $115^{\circ}\text{F}$).

Erythema

Redness assessed on the sacrum, bony prominences, and heels for possible pressure sores during the skin assessment.

Bath Blanket

Equipment used to replace the top sheet during a bed bath to provide comfort, warmth, and privacy.

Bath Mitt

A washcloth folded over the hand to retain water and heat better and prevent the ends of the cloth from dragging across the client's skin.

Inner to Outer Canthus

The specific direction used to wash the patient's eyes without soap.

S-method

The technique used to wash the patient's face and neck without soap before drying.

Distal to Proximal Strokes

Long, firm strokes from areas like the wrist to the axilla that promote circulation by increasing venous blood return.

Order of Bed Bath

The procedure should follow the sequence: Face, Neck, Arms, Chest, Abdomen, Legs, Back, and finally Perineum.

Kelly Pad

A specialized piece of equipment used to facilitate shampooing a patient's hair while they are in bed.

Effleurage

A light friction back rub technique using long, stroking movements with a flat hand or fingers, commonly used to begin a massage.

Petrissage (Kneading)

A massage technique applying deep pressure and squeezing to tissue and underlying muscle to treat knots or alleviate spasms.

Tapotement

A technique involving rhythmic tapping or patting of soft tissue using a cupped hand or the outside edge of the hand.

Supine Position

A position where the patient lies flat on their back, sometimes with additional supportive devices for comfort.

Prone Position

A position where the patient lies on their stomach with their head turned to the side.

Lateral Position

A side-lying position with the top leg over the bottom leg, used to help relieve pressure on the coccyx.

Sims Position

A position between supine and prone with legs flexed in front of the patient and arms placed comfortably beside them.

Semi-Fowler’s Position

A position where the head of the bed is placed at a $30$-degree angle, used for patients with cardiac or respiratory conditions or nasogastric tubes.

Fowler’s Position

A common position for patient comfort where the head of the bed is placed at a $45$-degree angle.

Trendelenburg Position

A position where the head of the bed is lower than the feet, used to promote venous return during hypotension or medical emergencies.

Unconscious Oral Care Positioning

Placing the patient in a lateral or side-lying position with the head turned to the side to prevent aspiration.

Padded Tongue Blade

A tool used to open the mouth and separate the teeth of an unconscious patient to avoid injuries from the biting-down reflex.

Denture Care Storage

Dentures should be stored in a labeled container covered with water or denture cleaner to allow gums to rest and prevent bacterial buildup.