1. RM VAN DEE RN, MSN Procare Hospice of Nevada 2015
Patient Hygiene
Hospice Aide Please answer post test for 0.5 continuing education credits
RM VAN DEE RN, MSN Procare Hospice of Nevada 2015

2. RM VAN DEE RN, MSN Procare Hospice of Nevada
Nail Care
Nail care is important in the maintenance of personal hygiene and is an essential aspect of patient care
Only do if it is on care plan, if patient is diabetic or on blood thinners you can cause serious injury.
Basin of warm water
Cuticle Stick
Emory board
Soak patients hands,
Gently use cuticle stick to clean under nails.
Dry hands
Use emery board to smooth out sharp edges of nail
Report any signs of fungus or redness to supervisor
RM VAN DEE RN, MSN Procare Hospice of Nevada

3. Be sure to document the level of assistance that is required
ORAL CARE
Before assuming dependent patients are incapable of performing any of their oral hygiene, be sure to assess their level of dependence and invite them to participate in any way they can.
Be sure to document the level of assistance that is required
Report to supervisor any pain, sores, bleeding gums, cavities to supervisor
soft bristle brush
Tooth paste
Warm water
Towel
Toothette
Sit patient up to prevent aspiration
Gently brush teeth removing debris
Use toothette to remove crusts, secretions from mucus membranes and tongue.
RM VAN DEE RN, MSN CHC

4. RM VAN DEE RN, MSN Procare Hospice of Nevada
Skin Care
Removes bacteria
Relaxes patient
Builds rapport with patient
Assesses skin
Report breakdown to supervisor
Prevents breakdown
Always respect patient’s privacy
Use towels to drape over patient
Maintain comfortable water temperature
Start with clear water to wash patient’s face
Using mild soap to prevent dry skin
Use this time to talk with patient
Report any signs of breakdown to supervisor
Change water frequently
Change gloves if they tear
Dry patient off, apply lotion
Use skin barrier on peri area to prevent breakdown.
RM VAN DEE RN, MSN Procare Hospice of Nevada

5. Toileting and Elimination
Risk of breakdown, UTI
Feelings of anxiety, shame
Loss of privacy
Loss of dignity
Constipation ( notify supervisor)
Diarrhea (notify supervisor)
Impaction (notify supervisor)
Providing personal hygiene is more than just a wash up.
Be aware of privacy
Do not scold
Use this time to ask patient about diet
How much fluids they are drinking
What kind of foods do they eat
When was their last bowel movement
Diarrhea can cause dehydration
Constipation can cause confusion
Prolonged constipation can lead to impaction and can cause injury to the intestine.
After you notify supervisor, document your findings and actions taken.
RM VAN DEE RN, MSN Procare of Nevada

6. Post Test: Patient Hygiene
1. When you are assigned a new patient what do you do to prepare? (circle correct answers) A) Read plan of care B) Call patient to set up visit time C) Ask nurse if there are any precautions D) Assume the patient has needed supplies
2. The nurse told you that patient is on a blood thinner , patient requests to have nail care done what should you do? A) wash patients hands, use soft brush to clean nails. B) Do nail care per patient request. C) Follow plan of care D)Inform patient that you need to check with nurse because of blood thinner.
3) You arrive to see new patient after introducing yourself, you start preparing a bed bath. The patient states she can bath herself. What should you have done?
A)Read care plan B) Ask the patient or caregiver how much assistance the patient needs. C) Just take vital signs and call the nurse later to ask what they want you to do.
4. Describe why it is important for a patient to maintain good hygiene: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name: Print___________________________ score _______ Educator: Rose Marie VanDee RN, MSN Educator Signature _____________________ NV000672
RM VAN DEE RN, MSN CHC