General Comfort Measures Unit 25 General Comfort Measures

Objectives Spell and define terms. Discuss the reasons for early morning and bedtime care. Identify patients who require frequent oral hygiene. List the purposes of oral hygiene.

Objectives Explain nursing assistant responsibilities for a patient’s dentures. State the purpose of backrubs. Describe safety precautions when shaving a patient. Describe the importance of hair care. Explain the use of comfort devices.

Objectives State the purpose of bed boards and list guidelines for their use.

AM Care and PM Care Early morning (AM) care Bedtime (PM) care Prepares patient for a day of activities Bedtime (PM) care Prepares patient for a night of rest

Early Morning (AM) Care Early morning or AM care Helps set the tone for the entire day

Bedtime (PM) Care Care given to a patient just before bedtime Similar to that given in the early morning Bedtime care is called PM care

Oral Hygiene Care of the mouth and teeth You will assist patients with toothbrushing and flossing, as needed Occasionally, you will encounter a patient with no teeth and no dentures Patient still needs regular oral hygiene

Dentures Artificial teeth that are removable Some patients may have a full set of dentures Other patients may have partial plates that are removable but attach to existing teeth by small metal clips

Dentures Partial plates should be given the same care as full dentures

Backrubs When properly given, a backrub can be: Stimulating to the patient’s circulation A major aid in preventing skin breakdown Soothing Refreshing

Daily Shaving Daily shaving is part of the routine self-care of most men It should not be neglected in a care facility When patients are unable to shave themselves and a barber is not available Shaving them is your responsibility

Daily Hair Care Daily care of the hair, for both male and female patients Is usually performed after the patient’s bed bath Hair should be combed and brushed each morning

Comfort Devices Physician, nurse, or physical therapist orders comfort devices such as the following: Bed cradles Footboards Pillows

Bed Boards Placed under the mattress to make it firm Occasionally ordered for persons with back problems

Elimination Needs Regular elimination of body wastes is essential to maintaining health. Always cover the bedpan, urinal, and commode receptacle when taking to the bathroom or utility room to empty. Avoid contaminating environmental surfaces with your used gloves.

One-Glove Technique Some facilities: Require health care providers to use one-glove technique when removing bedpans, urinals, and other contaminated items Gloves are worn on both hands when the contaminated item is removed