Chapter 38: Hygiene Potter

Chapter 38: Hygiene Potter et al: Canadian Fundamentals of Nursing, 6th Edition A number of factors influence a patient's personal preferences for hygiene. Because of this, it is important for the nurse to realize which of the following? - ANSWER-No two individuals perform hygiene in the same manner. 2. Social groups influence hygiene preferences and practices, including the type of hygienic products used and the nature and frequency of personal care. Which of the following developmental stages is most likely to be influenced by family customs? - ANSWER-Toddler. 3. The patient received a diagnosis of diabetes 12 years ago. When admitted today, the patient is unkempt and is in need of a bath and foot care. When questioned about his hygiene habits, the patient tells the nurse that baths are taken once a week where he comes from, although he takes a sponge bath every other day. To provide ultimate care for this patient, what must the nurse understand? - ANSWER-The patient's illness may necessitate teaching of new hygiene practices. 4. The nurse is caring for a patient who refuses "A.M. care." When asked why, the patient tells the nurse that she always bathes in the evening. What should the nurse do? - ANSWER-Defer the bath until evening and pass on the information to the next shift. 5. Successful critical thinking requires synthesis of knowledge, experience, information gathered from patients, critical thinking qualities, and intellectual and professional standards. Once the assessment has been done, what is it important for the nurse to understand? - ANSWER-Critical thinking is ongoing. 6. When the nurse provides hygiene for an older patient, why is it important for the nurse to closely assess the skin? - ANSWER-As people age, less frequent bathing may be required. 7. The nurse is bathing a patient and notices movement in the patient's hair. What should the nurse do? - ANSWER-Use gloves or a tongue blade to inspect the hair. 8. When assessing a patient's skin, what does the nurse need to know? - ANSWER-Moisture on the skin can lead to skin maceration. 9. The nurse is caring for a patient who is immobile. Why is the nurse aware that the patient is at risk for impaired skin integrity? - ANSWER-Pressure reduces circulation to affected tissue. 10. The nurse is caring for a patient who has diabetes mellitus, circulatory insufficiency, peripheral neuropathy, and urinary incontinence. What does the nurse know about patients with these conditions? - ANSWER-They have decreased pain sensation and are at increased risk of skin impairment. 11. The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone external fixation of a broken leg and has a cast in place. To prevent skin impairment, what should the nurse do? - ANSWER-Assess all surfaces exposed to the cast for pressure areas. 12. Of the following interventions, which would be the most important for preventing skin impairment in a mobile patient with local nerve damage? - ANSWER-During a bath, assess for pain. 13. Of the following disorders, which is caused by a virus? - ANSWER-Plantar warts