1. General Comfort Measures
Unit 25
General Comfort
Measures

2. Objectives Spell and define terms.
Discuss the reasons for early morning and bedtime care.
Identify patients who require frequent oral hygiene.
List the purposes of oral hygiene.

3. Objectives
Explain nursing assistant responsibilities for a patient’s dentures.
State the purpose of backrubs.
Describe safety precautions when shaving a patient.
Describe the importance of hair care.
Explain the use of comfort devices.

4. Objectives
State the purpose of bed boards and list guidelines for their use.

5. AM Care and PM Care Early morning (AM) care Bedtime (PM) care
Prepares patient for a day of activities
Bedtime (PM) care
Prepares patient for a night of rest

6. Early Morning (AM) Care
Early morning or AM care
Helps set the tone for the entire day

7. Bedtime (PM) Care Care given to a patient just before bedtime
Similar to that given in the early morning
Bedtime care is called PM care

8. Oral Hygiene Care of the mouth and teeth
You will assist patients with toothbrushing and flossing, as needed
Occasionally, you will encounter a patient with no teeth and no dentures
Patient still needs regular oral hygiene

9. Dentures Artificial teeth that are removable
Some patients may have a full set of dentures
Other patients may have partial plates that are removable but attach to existing teeth by small metal clips

10. Dentures
Partial plates should be given the same care as full dentures

11. Backrubs When properly given, a backrub can be:
Stimulating to the patient’s circulation
A major aid in preventing skin breakdown
Soothing
Refreshing

12. Daily Shaving
Daily shaving is part of the routine self-care of most men
It should not be neglected in a care facility
When patients are unable to shave themselves and a barber is not available
Shaving them is your responsibility

13. Daily Hair Care
Daily care of the hair, for both male and female patients
Is usually performed after the patient’s bed bath
Hair should be combed and brushed each morning

14. Comfort Devices
Physician, nurse, or physical therapist orders comfort devices such as the following:
Bed cradles
Footboards
Pillows

15. Bed Boards Placed under the mattress to make it firm
Occasionally ordered for persons with back problems

16. Elimination Needs
Regular elimination of body wastes is essential to maintaining health.
Always cover the bedpan, urinal, and commode receptacle when taking to the bathroom or utility room to empty.
Avoid contaminating environmental surfaces with your used gloves.

17. One-Glove Technique Some facilities:
Require health care providers to use one-glove technique when removing bedpans, urinals, and other contaminated items
Gloves are worn on both hands when the contaminated item is removed