female pericare

Female Peri Care Procedure

Introduction

  • Female peri care is a state-tested skill, part of five essential skills required in caregiving.

  • It includes handwashing as a critical component.

Equipment Needed for the Procedure

  1. Washcloths: 4 required.

  2. Towels: 2 required.

  3. Bath Blanket

  4. Incontinence Pad: Use the quilted type.

  5. Gloves: One pair needed for hygiene.

  6. Bath Basin: To hold water and washcloths.

  7. Soap: Liquid or bar soap, but do not immerse the bar soap in water.

  8. Dirty Linen Bag: For disposal of used linen.

Initial Preparation

  • Greeting the Patient: Introduce yourself (e.g., "Hi, I'm Kathy. I'm your nurse aide today.").

  • Handwashing:

    • Use hand sanitizer and rub hands together until they are dry, covering all areas.

  • Equipment Setup:

    • Gather all necessary supplies while ensuring they are not touching the patient.

    • Confirm that the bath basin and soap are in place.

    • Use a clean paper towel to turn on the water and ensure it is warm.

    • Place the basin of warm water on the bedside table.

  • **Prepare the Patient:

    • Raise the side rails on the opposite side of the bed.

    • Pull the privacy curtain around the patient.

    • Adjust the bed to a comfortable working height.

Patient Positioning and Preparing for Care

  • Wear Gloves: After washing hands, put on gloves.

  • Use of Washcloths: Place all four washcloths in the basin.

  • Place Bath Blanket: Drape the bath blanket over the patient for modesty, ensuring they are covered.

Placement of Incontinence Pad

  • Underneath the Patient:

    • Roll the incontinence pad out under the patient with the soft, quilted side against the skin and the waterproof side facing the mattress.

    • Ensure the pad fits securely and does not hang over the edge of the bed.

Washing Procedure

Front Perineum Care

  • Washcloth Usage:

    • Use two washcloths for the front perineum area.

    • Separate Labia:

      • Starting from the front, use a clean portion of the washcloth to:

      • Clean the inner side of one labia.

      • Clean the inner side of the other labia.

      • Clean down the middle towards the vaginal opening.

    • Rinse Procedure:

      • Dispose of the first washcloth in the dirty clothes bag.

      • Take a new washcloth and repeat the cleaning process, rinsing the same areas in the same order.

    • Drying:

      • Use a towel to pat the area dry with clean portions for each touch.

Rear Perineum Care

  • Patient Position Adjustment:

    • Assist the patient in rolling onto their side.

    • Raise the patient's leg to facilitate cleaning.

  • Washing Process for Rear Area:

    • Start washing from the base of the vagina, moving upward towards the rectum.

    • Repeat for the gluteal folds (buttocks), ensuring the area is clean.

    • Use the same principle of clean washcloth portions for rinsing and drying.

Final Steps after Care

  • Final Patient Comfort:

    • Ensure the patient is comfortable, adjusting their position as needed.

    • Provide the patient with the call light within easy reach.

    • Lower the side rails as per facility protocols, ensuring safety.

  • Cleanup Process:

    • Dispose of all used linens appropriately.

    • Clean the bath basin, ensuring it is rinsed and dried properly before returning to storage.

    • Wash hands following the completion of the task, adhering to hygiene protocols.

  • Documentation and Follow-Up:

    • Ensure all personal items for the patient are within reach.

    • Leave the area tidy and return any used items to their designated places.

    • Document the care performed as per facility policy.