What it means
The daily personal care that keeps skin, mouth, hair, nails and the perineal area clean. Clients who are weak, confused or on bed rest need help with it. Good hygiene protects the skin, prevents infection and helps a client feel comfortable and respected. Cleaning the hands is a separate skill, hand hygieneHAND HY-jeenCleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.Full entry .
For the nurse
Use bath time to look at the skin from head to toe. Routine hygiene care for a stable client can be delegated to a UAPyou-ay-pee (said as letters)Unlicensed assistive personnel: trained workers without a nursing license, such as nursing assistants, who help with client care.Full entry , but ask them to report any red, broken or bruised skin. Give mouth care often to clients who cannot eat or are on a ventilator, since a clean mouth lowers the risk of pneumonia.
In a chart
"Bed bath and oral hygiene completed; sacrum intact, no redness."
At a glance
| Spanish | higiene |
|---|
Related terms
activities of daily living
The basic self-care tasks of everyday life, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and moving about.
hand hygiene
Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
self-care
The things people do for themselves to look after their own health and daily needs.