Hygiene Care Practices

Study Notes

Involves care of the skin, feet, nails, oral and nasal cavities, teeth, hair, eyes, ears, and perineal-genital areas.
Is a highly personal matter determined by individual values and practices.

Early morning care
- Urinal or bedpan
- Washing face and hands
- Oral care
Morning care
- Usually after breakfast
- Elimination
- Bath or shower
- Perineal care
- Back massage
- Oral, nail, and hair care
Hour of sleep or PM care
- Elimination
- Washing face and hands
- Oral care
- Back massage
As-needed (prn) care
- As required by client need
  - More frequent bathing
  - Changes of clothes

Protects underlying tissue
Regulates body temperature
Secretes sebum
- Oily substance that softens and lubricates hair and skin
- Maintains moisture
- Bactericidal action
Transmits sensation
Produces and absorbs vitamin D

Sudoriferous (sweat) glands: All surfaces except lips and parts of the genitals
Apocrine glands: Axillae, anogenital areas (begin to function at puberty)
Eccrine glands: Palms of hands, soles of feet, forehead (cool the body through evaporation)

Nursing history: Determine:
- Client's skin care practices
- Self-care abilities (functional, cognitive levels and motivation)
- Presence of past or current skin problems
Physical assessment of the skin: Identify clients at risk for altered skin integrity.

Self-Care Deficit (examples):
- Bathing Self-Care Deficit
- Dressing Self-Care Deficit
- Toileting Self-Care Deficit
Examples of associated diagnosis
- Deficient Knowledge (e.g., new therapeutic regimen to manage skin problems, lack of experience providing hygiene care to a dependent person)
- Situational Low Self-Esteem (e.g., visible skin problems, body odor)
- Risk for impaired skin integrity
- Skin integrity impaired

Intact, healthy skin: the body's first line of defense. Protection afforded by skin depends on general health of skin cells, amount of subcutaneous tissue, and dryness of skin.
Moisture in contact with the skin: increase bacterial growth, irritation and infection
Body odors are caused by resident skin bacteria acting on body secretions.
Skin sensitivity varies among individuals and in accordance with their health.
Skin care agents have selective actions and purposes.