Hygiene and self-care

Question 1

What does bathing do?

Answer 1

Keeps skin healthy and intact
Removes excess oil, perspiration, and bacteria
Increases circulation
Promotes relaxation

Question 2

What are the 6 risk factors for skin impairment?

Answer 2

Immobilization
Reduced sensitization
Nutrition and hydration alterations
Secretions and excretions on the skin
Vascular insufficiency
External devices

Question 3

How do you care for feet and nails?

Answer 3

Wash and dry feet completely
Cut nails straight across
Do not soak the feet of someone with DM or PVD

Question 4

What can poor oral health lead to?

Answer 4

Risk of impaired nutrition, stroke, poor blood sugar control

Question 5

How to perform oral care on an unconscious patient?

Answer 5

Side lying position and padded tongue blade to keep mouth open. Water and suction

Question 6

How to perform hair care?

Answer 6

Brush/comb. Shave at pt’s request

Question 7

How to perform eye care?

Answer 7

No soap. Wipe from inner to outer canthus. Use liquid tears for unconscious pt

Question 8

How to perform ear care?

Answer 8

Cleanse auricles with washcloth covered finger. Irrigation for cerumen. Soft tissues for hearing aids.

Question 9

How to perform nasal care?

Answer 9

Clean outer portion. Special care for pts with NG tube

Question 10

How to assist in feeding blind pts?

Answer 10

Orient to food by using numbers on a clock

Question 11

What are the manifestations of altered self-care?

Answer 11

Poor hygiene/grooming
Inability to demonstrate self-care activities
Verbalization of reluctance to perform self-care