Chapter 17 Hygiene

Hygiene Hygiene: practices that promote health through personal cleanliness Activities that foster hygiene Bathing; cleaning and maintaining fingernails and toenails Performing oral care Shampooing and grooming hair Maintaining hearing aids and eyeglasses

Integumentary System Components Skin Mucous membrane Hair Fingernails, toenails Teeth

Skin Epidermis Dermis Subcutaneous layer

Cross-Section of the Skin

Mucous Membrane Line body passages such as the digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems Mucous membrane also lines the conjunctiva of the eye Goblet cells in the mucous membranes secrete mucus, a slimy substance that keeps the membranes soft and moist

Hair Made up of keratin Forms from cells at the base of a single follicle Helps to prevent heat loss Sebaceous glands in the hair follicles release sebum, an oily secretion

Nails Fingernails and toenails are made of keratin, which in concentrated amounts gives them their tough texture Normal nails are thin, pink, and smooth Fingernails and toenails provide some protection to the digits

Teeth Present beneath the gums at birth Contain the outer covering, enamel, a keratin structure Exposed portion of each tooth: crown Portion within the gum: root Adults: 28 to 32 permanent teeth Saliva: keeps the teeth clean and inhibits bacterial growth

Common Dental Problems Sugar, plaque, and bacteria may eventually erode the tooth enamel, causing caries Tartar leads to gingivitis while gum inflammation may cause periodontal disease

Bathing Uses a cleansing agent such as soap and water to remove sweat, oil, dirt, and microorganisms from the skin Advantages of bathing Eliminates body odor; reduces the potential for infection Stimulates circulation; provides a refreshed and relaxed feeling; improves self-image

Types of Bathing Partial bathing Bed bath Towel bath Bag bath

Question Is the following statement true or false? Partial bathing is most common in young adults.

Answer False. Partial bathing is most common in older clients.

Advantages of Bed Bath

Giving a Towel Bath

Question Is the following statement true or false? Towel bath is very expensive.

Answer False. Towel bath saves expense.

Shaving Removes unwanted body hair Accomplished with an electric or a safety razor The use of safety razor may not be possible in the following situations: If the client has a face injury If the client cannot shave

Shaving a Client’s Face

Oral Hygiene Brushing and flossing the teeth Dentures and bridges require special cleaning and care Oral hygiene in unconscious clients Prevents aspiration of oral hygiene products and water

Advantages of Electric Toothbrushes

Question Is the following statement true or false? Dentures are best washed with hot water.

Answer False. Dentures are best washed with cold or tepid water.

Hair Care Apply a conditioner to loosen tangles Use oil on the hair if it is dry Braid the hair to help prevent tangles Brush the hair slowly to increase circulation of sebum Use a wide-toothed comb, combing from end to crown Use shampoo to clean hair

Nail Care Keeping the fingernails and toenails clean and trimmed Nail care should be provided with extreme caution for the following clients: Clients with diabetes Clients with impaired circulation Client with thick nails

Question Is the following statement true or false? Applying alcohol to tangled hair helps remove the tangles.

Answer True. Applying alcohol to tangled hair helps remove the tangles.

Visual and Hearing Devices Eyeglasses and hearing aids improve communication and socialization Eyeglasses Contact lenses Artificial eyes Hearing aids Infrared listening devices

Types of Contact Lenses

Examples of Hearing Aids In the ear Behind the ear Remote controlled (Refer to Figure 17-10 in the textbook.)

Question Is the following statement true or false? Infrared listening devices (IRLDs) are used by clients with hearing impairment to hear sounds outdoors.

Answer False. IRLDs cannot be used outdoors or in rooms that contain many windows or in well-lit rooms.

General Gerontologic Considerations Poor hygiene and grooming in older adults: signs of visual impairments, functional changes, dementia, depression, abuse, or neglect Older adults do not need to bathe as frequently as younger adults Use mild, superfatted, nonperfumed soap Oils are not used in showers or bathtubs due to increased risk for falls

General Gerontologic Considerations (cont’d) For older adults with limited range of motion or mobility, provide: Long-handled bath sponges or hand-held shower attachments Nonskid strips on the floor of bathtubs Showers with strategically placed handles and grab bars; a tub/shower seat

General Gerontologic Considerations (cont’d) Due to increased susceptibility to dry skin, tears and scratches: Avoid skin care products containing alcohol, perfumes that aggravate dry skin Nails: keep trimmed and smooth Feet: regularly inspect condition Modify clothing to promote independence Tooth loss: periodontal disease

Question Is the following statement true or false? Older adults need to bathe frequently because they perspire a lot.

Answer False. Older adults do not need to bathe frequently because they have diminished perspiration and sebum production.