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Chapter 17

Hygiene

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Hygiene: practices that promote health through personal cleanliness

Activities that foster hygiene:

1. Bathing; cleaning and maintaining fingernails and toenails

2. Performing oral care

3. Shampooing and grooming hair

4. Maintaining hearing aids and eyeglasses

Hygiene

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Most hygiene practices are based on maintaining or restoring a healthy intguementary system.

Integumentary System Components1. Skin

2. Mucous membrane

3. Hair

4. Fingernails, toenails

5. Teeth

Integumentary System

Skin

1. Epidermis

2. Dermis

3. Subcutaneous layer

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Line body passages such as the digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems

Mucous membrane also lines the conjunctiva of the eye

Goblet cells in the mucous membranes secrete mucus, a slimy substance that keeps the membranes soft and moist

Mucous Membrane

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Made up of keratinForms from cells at the base of a single follicleHelps to prevent heat lossSebaceous glands in the hair follicles release sebum,

an oily secretion

Hair

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Fingernails and toenails are made of keratin, which in concentrated amounts gives them their tough texture

Normal nails are thin, pink, and smoothFingernails and toenails provide some protection to

the digits

Nails

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Present beneath the gums at birth

Contain the outer covering, enamel, a keratin structure

Exposed portion of each tooth: crown

Portion within the gum: root

Adults: 28 to 32 permanent teeth

Saliva: keeps the teeth clean and inhibits bacterial growth

Teeth

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Sugar, plaque, and bacteria may eventually erode the tooth enamel, causing caries

Gingivitis: gum inflammation

Common Dental Problems

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Uses a cleansing agent such as soap and water to remove sweat, oil, dirt, and microorganisms from the skin

Advantages of bathing

1. Eliminates body odor.

2. reduces the potential for infection

3. Stimulates circulation.

4. provides a refreshed and relaxed feeling.

5. improves self-image

Hygiene practices Bathing

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1. Tub bath or shower: There is no contraindication

2. Partial bathing: washing only those body areas subject to greatest soiling or that are sources of body odor.

3. For those who are independent persons

1. Bed bath( washing with a basin of water at the bedside)

2. Towel bath : The nurse uses a single large towel to cover and wash a client

Types of Bathing according to hygiene purposes

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1. Sitz bath: Immersion of buttocks and perineum in a small basin of continuously circulating water (as in case of piles or episiotomy )

purposes:

1. Remove blood , serum, stool or urine

2. Reduce local swelling.

3. Relieves discomfort.

Types of Bathing according to function

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2. Sponge bath: application of tipped water to the skin.

purposes:

1. Reduces a fever.

3. Medicated bath: soaking or immersing in a mixture of water and another substance, such as (sodium bicarbonate)

purposes:

1. Relieve itching or rashes

Types of Bathing according to function (cont’d)

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4. Whirlpool bath: warm water that is continuously agitated within a tub or tank

purposes:

1. Improve circulation.

2. Increase joint mobility.

3. Remove dead tissue

4. Relieve discomfort.

Types of Bathing according to function (cont’d)

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Removes unwanted body hair Accomplished with an electric or a safety razor Surgery sites

Shaving

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Brushing and flossing the teeth Dentures and bridges require special cleaning and

care Oral hygiene in unconscious clients whom need oral

care more frequently than conscious clients

Prevents aspiration of oral hygiene products and water

Oral Hygiene

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Apply a conditioner to loosen tangles

Use oil on the hair if it is dry

Brush the hair slowly to increase circulation of sebum

Use a wide-toothed comb, combing from end to crown

Use shampoo to clean hair

Hair Care

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Keeping the fingernails and toenails clean and trimmed

Nail care should be provided with extreme caution for the following clients: Clients with diabetes Clients with impaired circulation Client with thick nails

Nail Care

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Eyeglasses and hearing aids improve communication and socialization Eyeglasses Contact lenses Artificial eyes Hearing aids

Examples of Hearing Aids In the ear Behind the ear

Visual and Hearing Devices

General Gerontologic Considerations

Poor hygiene and grooming in older adults: signs of visual impairments, functional changes, dementia, depression, abuse, or neglect

Older adults do not need to bathe as frequently as younger adults

Use mild, nonperfumed soap

Oils are not used in showers or bathtubs due to increased risk for falls

General Gerontologic Considerations (cont’d)

For older adults with limited range of motion or mobility, provide:Long-handled bath sponges Nonskid strips on the floor of bathtubsShowers with strategically placed handles

and grab bars; a tub/shower seat

General Gerontologic Considerations (cont’d)

Due to increased susceptibility to dry skin, tears and scratches:

Avoid skin care products containing alcohol, perfumes that aggravate dry skin

Nails: keep trimmed and smooth

Feet: regularly inspect condition

Modify clothing to promote independence

Tooth loss

Question

Is the following statement true or false?

Older adults need to bathe frequently because they perspire a lot.

Answer

False.

Older adults do not need to bathe frequently because they have diminished perspiration and sebum production.