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 Most hygiene practices are based on maintaining or restoring a healthy intguementary system. Integumentary System Components Skin Mucous membrane Hair Fingernails, toenails Teeth

Skin Epidermis Dermis Subcutaneous layer

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 Gingivitis: gum inflammation

Hygiene practices 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 according to hygiene purposes Tub bath or shower: There is no contraindication Partial bathing: washing only those body areas subject to greatest soiling or that are sources of body odor. For those who are dependent persons Bed bath( washing with a basin of water at the bedside)

Types of Bathing according to function Sitz bath: Immersion of buttocks and perineum in a small basin of continuously circulating water (as in case of piles or episiotomy ) purposes: Remove blood , serum, stool or urine Reduce local swelling. Relieves discomfort.

Types of Bathing according to function (cont’d) Sponge bath: application of tipped water to the skin. purposes: Reduces a fever. Medicated bath: soaking or immersing in a mixture of water and another substance, such as (sodium bicarbonate) Relieve itching or rashes

Types of Bathing according to function (cont’d) Whirlpool bath: warm water that is continuously agitated within a tub or tank purposes: Improve circulation. Increase joint mobility. Remove dead tissue Relieve discomfort.

Shaving Removes unwanted body hair Accomplished with an electric or a safety razor Surgery sites

Oral Hygiene Brushing and flossing the teeth Dentures and bridges require special cleaning and care Oral hygiene in unconscious clients whom need oral care more frequently than conscious clients Prevents aspiration of oral hygiene products and water

Hair Care Apply a conditioner to loosen tangles Use oil on the hair if it is dry 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

Visual and Hearing Devices Eyeglasses and hearing aids improve communication and socialization Eyeglasses Contact lenses Artificial eyes Hearing aids Examples of Hearing Aids In the ear Behind the ear

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, 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 Nonskid strips on the floor of bathtubs Showers with strategically placed handles and grab ممسك 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

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.