Chapter 26: Hygiene
Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
1
Scientific Knowledge Base
• Good physical hygiene is necessary for
comfort, safety, and well being.
• Ill clients require assistance with personal
hygiene.
• Several factors influence a client’s hygiene
practices.
Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
2
The Skin
• Functions of the skin: protection, secretion,
excretion, temperature regulation, and
sensation
• Three layers
– Epidermis: shields underlying tissue
– Dermis: contains nerves, vessels, and glands
– Subcutaneous tissue: insulates and cushions
skin
Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
3
Feet and Nails
• The feet and nails require special attention.
• Discomfort causes stress and pain.
• The normal nail is transparent, smooth, and
convex with a pink nail bed and white tip.
• Changes in shape, thickness, and curvature
can occur.
Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
4
Oral Cavity and Teeth
• Mucous membranes
• Oral mucosa is light pink and moist
Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
5
Nursing Knowledge Base
• Personal preferences for hygiene
• Hygiene care is never routine
• During hygiene
–
–
–
–
Assess physical status and limitations
Assess client’s readiness to learn
Provide privacy
Foster physical well being
Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
6
Factors Influencing Hygiene
• Body image
– A person’s subjective
concept of their
appearance
• Social practices
– Social groups and
family practices
• Socioeconomics
• Cultural variables
Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
• Personal preferences
– Frequency
– Preferred products
• Physical condition
– Lack of physical
energy
– Loss of dexterity
• Knowledge about
importance of hygiene
7
Bathing and Skin Care
• Tub or shower
– More thorough than bed bath
• Complete bed bath
– For clients who are dependent and require total
hygienic care
• Partial bed bath
– Involves bathing only those parts that would
cause discomfort or odor if left unbathed
Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
8
Perineal Care
• Part of the bed bath
• Clients most in need are those with
secretions or Foley catheters and following
rectal surgery or childbirth
• Be alert to discharge, skin irritation, and
odors
• Good perineal care prevents skin irritation
and breakdown
Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
9
Foot and Nail Care
• Soak and soften cuticles.
• Cleanse and dry the feet thoroughly.
• Trim nails straight across (check agency
policy regarding trimming of nails).
• Inspect for lesions, dryness, and signs of
infection.
• Clients with DM or PVD are at risk for
impaired circulation.
Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
10
Oral Hygiene
• Involves cleanliness, comfort, and
moisturizing the mouth
• Unconscious client
• Flossing and brushing
• Denture care
Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
11
Hair Care
• Brushing and combing
• Brushing/combing hair from scalp to end
• Shampooing
Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
12
Shaving
•
•
•
•
Facial hair
Electric razor
Refer to the client’s normal routine
Never shave off a mustache or beard
without the client’s consent
Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
13
Eyecare
• Cleansing
• Eyeglasses
• Contact lenses
Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
14