Unit 1: Chapter 40: Hygiene Flashcards
(21 cards)
You are caring for a 78-year-old patient with diabetes and limited mobility. The patient is confused, incontinent, and requires assistance with hygiene. You must plan and deliver appropriate care based on clinical reasoning.
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Match the factors influencing hygiene with their example:
Factor Example
Personal preference ☐ Patient prefers evening showers
Socioeconomic status ☐ Lack of access to hygiene supplies
Body image ☐ Refusal to participate due to post-surgery scarring
Social practices ☐ Learned to bathe twice daily from parents
Personal = evening showers; Socioeconomic = no supplies; Body image = scarring; Social = childhood habits
Which nursing actions promote culturally sensitive hygiene care? (Select all that apply)
A. Allow same-gender caregiver if requested
B. Shave the patient’s hair without asking
C. Perform hygiene when convenient for the staff
D. Inquire about personal hygiene customs
E. Respect timing of hygiene related to prayers
A, D, E
Cultural care includes privacy, customs, and scheduling
For female perineal care, the nurse should clean from [ Select ] to prevent infection.
Options:
Back to front
Front to back
Side to side
Center to periphery
Front to back
Prevents UTI by avoiding fecal contamination
Which patient is most at risk for hygiene-related skin impairment?
A. Alert adult post-appendectomy
B. Pediatric patient with intact skin
C. Unconscious diabetic patient with incontinence
D. Adolescent with acne
C
Incontinence, diabetes, and immobility increase skin risk
Match the skin functions with their descriptions:
Function Description
Protection ☐ Shields against microorganisms
Sensation ☐ Detects pressure, pain, and temperature
Temperature control ☐ Regulates via vasodilation and sweat
Protection = microbial shield; Sensation = detects stimuli; Temp = regulates heat
Which assessment findings increase a patient’s risk for hygiene problems? (Select all that apply)
A. Vascular insufficiency
B. Reduced sensation
C. Strong muscle tone
D. Dehydration
E. Healthy nutrition
A, B, D
These impair skin health and healing
Place in order the steps for performing oral care on a semi-conscious patient:
☐ Raise head of bed to 30 degrees
☐ Use a soft brush or toothette
☐ Wear gloves
☐ Turn patient’s head to the side
☐ Suction secretions as needed
Raise HOB → Gloves → Turn head → Brush → Suction
Match the developmental stage with the hygiene need:
Stage Hygiene Needs
Infant ☐ Gentle handling, loose epidermis/dermis
Adolescent ☐ Frequent bathing due to active sebaceous glands
Older adult ☐ Use mild soap and avoid excessive rubbing
Infant = delicate skin; Adolescent = oil/glands; Older = fragile, dry skin
Which findings suggest a need for more frequent oral care? (Select all that apply)
A. Patient on oxygen therapy
B. Diabetic with dentures
C. Sedated patient with endotracheal tube
D. Alert, well-hydrated adult
E. Chemotherapy patient
A, B, C, E
Risk factors for dry mucosa, infection
Which action is appropriate when caring for a patient with dementia during bathing?
A. Complete bath quickly and silently
B. Maintain prehospital routines
C. Insist the patient follow staff schedule
D. Avoid communication during bathing
B
Maintaining routines reduces anxiety in dementia patients
Patients with diabetes mellitus should avoid [ Select ] during foot care.
Options:
Filing nails
Soaking feet
Cleaning between toes
Wearing socks
Soaking feet
Increases risk for maceration and infection in diabetes
Match the oral hygiene intervention with its purpose:
Intervention Purpose
Brushing teeth ☐ Removes plaque and food particles
Rinsing ☐ Removes excess toothpaste and dislodged debris
CHG oral swabs ☐ Used for high-risk or unconscious patients
Brush = remove debris; Rinse = clear paste; CHG = prevent VAP in risk groups
Which nursing interventions apply to perineal care for an incontinent patient? (Select all that apply)
A. Clean frequently and after each episode
B. Use scented soap generously
C. Apply moisture barrier cream
D. Cleanse from clean to dirty areas
E. Use a professional, respectful approach
A, C, D, E
Promote cleanliness and skin protection
A patient recovering from rectal surgery will need more frequent __________ care to reduce infection risk.
perineal
Which approach helps promote patient dignity during hygiene care?
A. Keep doors and curtains open for airflow
B. Leave the patient uncovered for full access
C. Use a professional tone and draping techniques
D. Work silently to avoid embarrassment
C
Dignity is preserved with privacy and communication
Match the hygiene procedure with the corresponding safety concern:
Procedure Safety Concern
Bathing ☐ Assess for activity intolerance
Oral care (unconscious) ☐ Risk for aspiration
Nail trimming ☐ Risk for tissue injury in diabetes
Bathing = fatigue; Oral = aspiration; Nails = diabetic foot risk
Which tasks may be safely delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply)
A. Performing complete bed bath
B. Monitoring gag reflex
C. Reporting skin breakdown to RN
D. Applying prescribed moisture barrier
E. Trimming diabetic patient toenails
A, C, D
UAP can assist with hygiene and report issues
When cleaning the eyes, the nurse should wipe from [ Select ].
Options:
Outer canthus to inner
Inner canthus to outer
Top to bottom
In a circular motion
Inner canthus to outer
Prevents debris from entering tear duct
The 1-inch border around a sterile field is considered __________.
contaminated
Do not touch or use the outer inch of sterile field
Which statement by the nurse reflects understanding of hair care practices?
A. “I’ll comb through tangles quickly to finish.”
B. “We always cut hair to prevent matting.”
C. “I’ll ask about cultural preferences for hair care.”
D. “Hair care is optional unless ordered by the physician.”
C
Respecting hair traditions maintains trust and dignity
