Bathing and Skin Care

Maintenance of personal hygiene is necessary for an individual’s comfort, safety, and sense of well being.

Bathing Guidelines Cleanliness cannot be on a time clock. Client preference and need Opportunity to assess, teach, exercise Gloves Client participation Oral care Cultural differences

Type of Baths Complete Bed Bath Partial Bed Bath Hands, face, back, axilla, perineum Tub Bath Shower Therapeutic Bath Sitz, Medicated

Equipment 2 wash clothes 2 towels Bath blanket Soap Toiletry items ( scent- free policy) Basin PJ’s

Equipment Gloves Laundry bag Assess ability to perform self- care & determine type of bath Bedpan? Urinal?

Bath Procedure Client Position Body mechanics Loosen & remove top covers Bath blanket

Bath Procedure Undress Pay attention if client has a deficit on left or right side, ie. paralysis, IV., Pain etc. Undress unaffected side first Dress affected side first Safety, assess need for side rails if need to step away from the bedside

Bath Procedure Basin with warm water Test inner aspect of wrist Remove pillow HOB 30 – 45º Wash cloth mitt Eyes, H2O, Inner to outer canthus Different section of each mitt for each eye

Bath Procedure Face, neck, and ears…..soap? Rinse and dry well. Bath farthest hand and arms first. Use long, firm strokes Distal to proximal including axilla Rinse and dry Deodorant Other arm Keep water at a warm temperature

Bath Procedure Cover chest with bath towel Wash, attention to skin folds Rinse and dry well Abdomen- stroke side to side Wash, rinse, dry Client comfort and warmth

Bath Procedure Can partially dress at this point Continue by placing towel under leg, wash From distal to proximal, ( except DVT) Check H2O Do Not Massage any Reddened Areas on skin Back and buttocks – back rub

Bath Procedure Change H2O Cleanse perineum Foot soak Nail trim if not contraindicated If circulatory problems, diabetes Do Not Cut Nails

Oral Care Time to assess the oral cavity AC and PC NPO 4x/day Keep mouth clean and moist Dentures Be Careful

Unconscious client Side lying Facing care giver Bed flat Towel under chin Brush or toothette Avoid stimulating gag reflex, assess need for suction

Pay Attention to : Hair Aids, visual and hearing Shave Foot and nail care