Nursing Fundamentals Review
Bedmaking and Bed Baths
Introduction to Bedmaking and Bed Baths
- Important nursing tasks involving cleaning and patient comfort.Step-by-Step Process for Bed Baths
- First Step: Wash Eyes First
- Use no soap to prevent bringing bacteria toward the eyes, avoiding infections.
- Next Steps: Wash Other Body Parts
- Order of washing:
1. Face
2. Chest
3. Arms
4. Abdomen
5. Legs
6. Feet
7. Back
- Last Step: Wash Perineum
- Wash patient's genitals and rectum last.
- Change Water before washing the perineum to maintain hygiene.
- If patient has a vulva, remember to wipe from front to back to prevent fecal bacteria moving toward the urethra, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.Key Points on Bed Making
- Raise Bed to Waist Height
- Ensures safe ergonomics for the nurse, preventing injury.
- Do Not Shake Linen
- Avoids dispersing skin cells or pathogens in a hospital setting.
- Dispose of Soiled Linens Properly
- Place immediately in a soiled linen bag, not on the floor.
Oral and Denture Care
Basic Care and Comfort for Oral Care
- For an alert and oriented patient:
- Place a basin beneath the mouth for rinsing and spitting.
- For an unconscious patient or one unable to protect their airway:
- Angle their head 45 degrees and turn them to the side to prevent aspiration.
- Have suction equipment readily available.
- Avoid Placing Fingers in Patient's Mouth
- Whether alert or unconscious, this poses a high risk of injury.Denture Care
- Handle dentures with care due to their cost.
- Prevent Damage:
- Place towels in the sink basin to cushion any drops.
- Cleaning Options:
- Brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste or use dedicated denture cleanser.
- Storing Dentures:
- Must be stored in a labeled denture cup (includes patient's name and date of birth).
- Store in denture solution or water to prevent drying out.
Seizure Precautions
Introduction to Seizure Precautions
- Essential understanding for nursing care and patient safety.Preparation for a Patient on Seizure Precautions
- Pad Side Rails of the Bed
- This helps prevent head injuries during a seizure.
- Use specialized pads or blankets taped around side rails.
- Ensure Equipment Readiness:
- Oxygen with a delivery device, suction equipment, and vital signs monitoring equipment should be ready in the room.Actions During a Seizure
- If patient is standing:
- Carefully lower them to the floor using the leg as a slide if possible.
- After they are on the floor or in bed:
- Turn them to their left side for safety.
- Ensure that secretions can exit the mouth to prevent choking.
- Loosen restrictive clothing to ease breathing and airway access.
- Protecting the Patient:
- Clear the area of objects that may cause harm.
- Important Safety Guidelines:
- Do not restrain patients during seizures. Evidence shows this can cause harm as patients may push against constraints.
- Do not place anything in the patient’s mouth, including fingers, to avoid the risk of injury (biting, choking).
- Documentation:
- Note the start and stop time of the seizure for medical records.Postictal Phase
- After the seizure, patients may experience confusion, disorientation, and potentially combative behavior.
- Calmly reassure and reorient the patient.
- Record vital signs and perform a brief neurological examination.Conclusion of Review
- Importance of understanding nursing roles in managing patients effectively.
- Encouragement to subscribe for more nursing content and skills.
Personal Anecdote on Seizures
Meris’s Experience:
- Describes first seizure experience at a friend’s house during a movie.
- Confused postictal phase: covered with food, unclear about what transpired.
- The importance of awareness of the patient's condition and compassionate care post-seizure.Final Note:
- Promotes sharing content that is helpful for nursing students.