Patient Hygiene NEO111 M. Jorgenson, RN BSN

Patient Hygiene  Daily bathing to prevent infection  Common modes of infection transmission Nurse—Patient Nurse—Patient Super-infection (overgrowth of normal body flora) Super-infection (overgrowth of normal body flora) Transmission of normal body flora from one body site to another Transmission of normal body flora from one body site to another  The Immunocompromised patient population is at the greatest risk for infection in a health care setting

Bathing (cont.)  Order of Bathing Eyes/Face (rinsing wash cloth between eyes) Eyes/Face (rinsing wash cloth between eyes) neck & ears neck & ears Arms Arms chest/abdomen chest/abdomen Legs Legs Back Back buttocks buttocks perineal area perineal area  If using a water basin to bath a patient, water should be changed: After washing the front of the person and prior to cleaning the back and buttocks. After washing the front of the person and prior to cleaning the back and buttocks. Change the water again prior to perineal Change the water again prior to perineal care!! care!!

Oral Care (Dependent Patient)  Correct head position On its side and tilted forward On its side and tilted forward Raised degrees Raised degrees  Rinsing the mouth of a dependent person Carefully squirt a small amount of water using an irrigating syringe being sure to avoid the back of the throat Carefully squirt a small amount of water using an irrigating syringe being sure to avoid the back of the throat Immediately suction water out with a yankaur Immediately suction water out with a yankaur suction device suction device Use of a toothette or suction toothette Use of a toothette or suction toothette

Assisting with Shaving  Male facial hair—shave in the direction of hair growth (with the grain)  Female leg hair—shave against the direction of hair growth (against the grain)  When should shaving a patient with a straight edge razor be avoided and an electric razor used instead? Significant immunocompromised (low WBC) Significant immunocompromised (low WBC) Anticoagulation therapy (blood thinners) Anticoagulation therapy (blood thinners) Bleeding disorders Bleeding disorders Low platelet count Low platelet count

Patient Hygiene- Bed Bath Video