1 Chapter 26: Hygiene Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

2 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.

3 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.

4 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.

5 Oral Cavity and Teeth Mucous membranes Oral mucosa is light pink and moist Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

6 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.

7 Factors Influencing Hygiene Body image –A person’s subjective concept of their appearance Social practices –Social groups and family practices Socioeconomics Cultural variables Personal preferences –Frequency –Preferred products Physical condition –Lack of physical energy –Loss of dexterity Knowledge about importance of hygiene Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

8 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.

9 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.

10 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.

11 Oral Hygiene Involves cleanliness, comfort, and moisturizing the mouth Unconscious client Flossing and brushing Denture care Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

12 Hair Care Brushing and combing Brushing/combing hair from scalp to end Shampooing Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

13 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.

14 Eyecare Cleansing Eyeglasses Contact lenses Copyright © 2003, Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.