Lesson 2 Hygiene

HLTENN037 & HLTENN038 Overview

• HLTENN037 focuses on performing clinical assessments and contributing to the planning of nursing care, while HLTENN038 covers the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of nursing care.

• A significant aspect of this care involves hygiene.

Importance of Hygiene

• As quoted, "Cleanliness is not a luxury in a highly developed country, it is…a basic human right" (Young 1991).

• Illness often necessitates reliance on others for basic hygiene, and individual preferences significantly vary regarding hygiene products, routines, and habits.

• Consequently, nurses must personalize hygiene practices based on the individual needs and health conditions of their patients.

Types of Hygiene Assistance

• Nursing assistance for hygiene can be categorized into three types:

• Simple assistance includes providing equipment such as bedpans and urinals and helping with hand, face, and teeth washing.

• Moderate assistance entails aiding patients to the bathroom and assisting with dressing and washing.

• Full assistance refers to helping with showering or giving bed baths.

• In performing these tasks, nurses engage in comprehensive assessment roles, which include evaluating cognition, communication, skin condition, hydration, continence, mobility, and pain.

Cultural Considerations and Religious Practices

• Cultural norms greatly influence hygiene practices; for instance, Western cultures emphasize frequent bathing while others may prioritize privacy during bathing or have different perceptions of body odor.

• Additionally, many religions include ceremonial washing as part of their practices, such as those in Islamic and Hindu faiths.

Influence of Resources and Age

• Access to hygiene products can be restricted by financial limitations, and practices often change with developmental stages and health conditions.

• Maintaining skin integrity is critical for preventing infections and supporting overall health, with skin functions including temperature regulation, protection, and sensory perception.

• As individuals age, their skin undergoes various changes:

• Infants have sensitive and less resistant skin.

• Adolescents experience skin changes due to hormonal fluctuations.

• Older adults tend to have thinner, drier skin, making them more susceptible to injury.

Skin Assessment Details

• During skin assessments, nurses check for:

• Texture (smooth vs. rough patches)

• Hydration (dryness or oiliness)

• Lesions (documenting any abnormalities)

• Color changes (such as jaundice, pallor, or mottled skin)

• The assessment process also involves recognizing the challenges in providing personal hygiene care, as engaging in intimate care could lead to discomfort.

• Therefore, it is essential to maintain professionalism and sensitivity throughout the care process.

Skin Protection Practices

• Key practices for skin protection include:

• Keeping skin clean and minimizing irritation.

• Respecting personal preferences for hygiene products.

• Further considerations include:

• Perineal care—where dignity must be maintained while ensuring thorough cleaning.

• Assessing and providing hair care for issues like dandruff and lice, as well as foot and nail care to prevent infections.

• Oral hygiene is also vital as it aids in preventing infections, maintaining comfort, and promoting overall health.

• Nurses should regularly assess oral conditions and offer assistance as necessary.

References

• Tabbner’s Nursing Care: Theory and Practice / Gabrielle Koutoukidis et al., 6th