Questions and Answers
What is perineal care?
The bathing of a patient's genital area, requiring tact, sensitivity, and respect.
What should always be done when wiping patients during perineal care?
Perineal care is one of the least important procedures that assistants perform.
False
Some patients feel embarrassment and guilt over their need for assistance with perineal care.
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The perineal area is prone to infection.
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What is the vulva?
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What is the purpose of Bartholin's glands?
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What is the perineum?
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After using the bedpan, new disposable gloves should be put on _____.
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Where should a patient be positioned during female perineal care?
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What is the proper hand washing technique before perineal care?
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When washing the female perineal area, always wipe from back to front.
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It is important to dry the perineal area thoroughly after washing.
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When should a patient be offered a urinal or bedpan?
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The perineal care procedure for washing an uncircumcised patient is exactly the same as for a circumcised patient.
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What are the testes?
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Where are the testes located?
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Study Notes
Perineal Care Overview
- Perineal care involves the bathing of a patient's genital area, emphasizing tact, sensitivity, and respect.
- Essential responsibility for healthcare assistants, vital for infection prevention.
Infection Risks
- The perineal area is vulnerable to infections if not adequately cared for.
- Always clean from front to back and change to a clean section of the washcloth to prevent transferring infection or waste.
Safety Measures
- Assistants should wear new gloves before perineal care due to mucous membranes that can spread infections.
- Gloves should be discarded after the procedure, followed by handwashing.
Emotional Considerations
- Patients may feel embarrassment and guilt when requiring assistance with their perineal care.
Female Anatomy
- The vulva consists of the mons pubis, labia majora, and labia minora; it covers the external structures of the female reproductive system.
- The clitoris, located at the junction of the labia minora, plays a role in sexual arousal and lubrication.
Bartholin's Glands
- These glands secrete lubrication fluid into the vagina during intercourse and are situated between the labia minora.
Perineal Care Procedures
Female Perineal Care
- Gather necessary supplies: gloves, bath blanket, bedpan, liquid soap, basin, bath thermometer, washcloths, etc.
- Confirm patient identity, explain the procedure, and provide privacy.
- Use a bed protector and ensure the water temperature is safe (around 105°F or 40.6°C).
Washing Techniques
- Wash genitals by separating the vulva and using a clean washcloth for each wipe to maintain cleanliness.
- Always wipe front to back and ensure thorough drying after cleaning.
- For the anal area, ask the patient to turn away and clean from the perineum to the coccyx.
Patient Comfort and Bed Restoring
- Assist the patient back to a comfortable position and properly cover them with bed linens, disposing of used materials as per guidelines.
General Guidelines for Perineal Care
- After a patient uses a bedpan or urinal, it is critical to change gloves before proceeding with washing.
- Washing techniques differ between circumcised and uncircumcised males, emphasizing the need for special care when retracting foreskin.
Key Concepts
- Always wipe the perineal area from back to front is a misconception; it should be from front to back to reduce infection risks.
- Proper drying of the perineal area after washing is crucial.
- Offer patients a urinal or bedpan before commencing perineal care to ensure comfort and hygiene.
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Description
Test your knowledge on perineal care with these flashcards. This quiz highlights the importance of tact and sensitivity in caring for a patient's genital area, as well as the procedures assistants must follow to prevent infections. Enhance your understanding of this crucial nursing procedure.
