Hygiene

A set of practice flashcards covering hygiene concepts from the lecture notes.

What is the definition of hygiene as described in the notes?

Actions and practices that decrease the spread or transmission of pathogens, thereby lessening the occurrence of illness.

Which activities are included in personal hygiene according to the notes?

Bathing the hair and body; hand hygiene and nail care; oral care; foot care; perineal care.

What is the integumentary system's first line of defense?

Physical barriers that prevent pathogens from entering the body.

What components make up the integumentary system as described?

Skin, hair, nails, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands.

What are mucous membranes and where are they found?

lines the body passages open to the exterior that act as barriers; found in the mouth, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and urinary tract.

What is the skin's role in defense and its two functions?

Largest organ and first line of defense; functions as a physical barrier and contains Langerhans cells that sense and kill pathogens trying to enter.

What are Langerhans cells?

Located in the epidermis and its role is to sense and kill pathogens that are found on the skin trying to enter the body.

What are the two layers of the skin?

Epidermis (outer layer) and Dermis (inner layer).

What is the epidermis' function?

The outer layer that protects the dermis.

What is the dermis composed of and its function?

Connective tissue, nervous tissue, blood, and blood vessels; provides strength and elasticity.

What is the hypodermis and what does it contain?

Subcutaneous layer beneath the dermis; contains adipose tissue that cushions, insulates, and stores fat.

What is the term for the subcutaneous layer?

Hypodermis

What are the implications of poor hygiene related to skin integrity?

Irritation or a breach allows bacteria to enter, leading to infection; changes in skin integrity increase risk of infection, loss of a limb, or death.

What infection prevention measures are mentioned?

Handwashing; awareness of HAIs and to reduce costs and extended stays.

What does HAI stand for?

Healthcare-associated infection.

What is health promotion focused on?

Facilitating people’s control over and improving their general health, including awareness of problems, behavior change, illness prevention, and increased use of health services.

What factors contribute to a person’s health according to the notes?

Where one is born and raised; where one lives and works; age; availability of affordable housing; public safety; healthy foods; educational opportunities.

What does holistic health include?

Mental, physical, spiritual, and social well-being.

What client-specific factors affecting hygiene relate to religion and culture?

traditions or practices, including privacy and modesty; gender considerations; reluctance to remove clothing.

What developmental stage factors affect hygiene for infants?

may have diaper dermatitis.

What developmental stage factors affect hygiene for school-age children and teenagers?

Oily skin due to hormonal changes; noncomedogenic cleansers help prevent clogged pores.

What developmental stage considerations are noted for older adults?

They may be resistant to cleaning; give them a choice and discuss reasons.

What are stroke-related hygiene considerations?

Assess the patient’s ability to perform self-care, balance, and mobility; provide assistance as needed (possible hemiparesis/hemiplegia).

What are spinal cord injury hygiene considerations?

Safety is the top priority; adaptations for bathing due to loss of sensation; use equipment like bench seats, long-handled sponges, soap-on-a-rope; skin is more susceptible to pressure injuries and should be kept dry.

What are dementia-related hygiene considerations?

can impair the ability to perform hygiene; maintain dignity and choice; use evidence-based strategies; oral hygiene may decline due to dexterity issues; consider suction-assisted mouth care to reduce aspiration risk.

What are amputation hygiene considerations?

Movements of hand and wrist may be limited; use assistive devices to maintain independence.

What are foot, nail, and perineal care considerations?

monitor for infections; longer nails may conceal more germs; prevent infections, odors, and irritation.

What are bed baths and their variations?

Complete bed bath (bath given in bed) and partial bed bath (assisted bathing); bed baths provide a chance for skin assessment and bonding.