Personal Care

• What is the primary goal of the personal care workbook notes?

  To understand personal care and factors influencing its execution
• Why is assessment and planning important in personal care?

  To ensure care is safe and individualized
• What is the nurse's role in personal care?

  To assess, provide care, and support self-care for individuals and families
• What does personal care include?

  Personal hygiene, dressing, toileting, and assistance with feeding
• How is personal hygiene defined?

  As the physical act of cleansing the body to maintain optimum condition
• What are some reasons personal care is important?

  It maintains hygiene, prevents infections, and improves psychological well-being
• What factors can influence personal care?

  Normal routine, individual preference, culture, physiological state, age, and psychological well-being
• Who usually carries out personal care?

  Individuals or their carers
• Why might personal care be compromised?

  During illness, surgery, or hospitalization
• What should be included in a personal care plan?

  Negotiation and agreement with the patient and family
• What is the purpose of care planning?

  To individualize care and enhance communication
• What is the first priority in personal care?

  Safety of everyone involved
• What precautions should be taken with babies during bathing?

  Babies must be firmly supported and never left unattended in water
• What is the maximum water temperature for personal care?

  It should never exceed 46 degrees Celsius
• What should healthcare professionals do between activities?

  Carry out hand washing and wear gloves and an apron
• What must be maintained during personal care procedures?

  Privacy and dignity
• What should be sought before carrying out personal care?

  Verbal consent from the patient or guardian
• How can parents and carers participate in personal care?

  They should be encouraged to participate as much as they feel able
• What is important for older children during personal care?

  They should be given time to be involved to promote independence
• What should be done before bathing a baby?

  Gather all necessary equipment
• What is not necessary in the first 1-2 months of a baby's bath?

  Soap, shampoo, or baby bath liquid
• What should the room temperature be when bathing a baby?

  Between 20-25 degrees Celsius
• What is the ideal water temperature for bathing a baby?

  Between 29 and 32 degrees Celsius
• What should be monitored during a baby's bath?

  Signs of distress or heat loss
• How should bathing be perceived for children?

  As a fun and enjoyable experience
• What should be considered for children learning self-care?

  They should be encouraged to learn with support
• What should be done if a patient cannot leave the bed for bathing?

  Bed bathing should be performed
• What should be ensured before giving a bed bath?

  All relevant equipment and enough staff should be present
• How often should skin be assessed for patients?

  On admission and at regular intervals
• What should be documented during skin assessments?

  Any abnormalities and patient history
• How often should patients unable to reposition themselves be turned?

  Every 2-4 hours
• What should be used for patients at high risk of pressure sores?

  Pressure relieving mattresses
• How are pressure sores graded?

  They are graded 1-4
• How often should bed linen be changed in a hospital?

  Ideally daily
• What should be done with bed linen to prevent cross-infection?

  Take the linen basket to the bed space
• What is the role of nurses in oral care?

  To assess oral health and promote hygiene practices
• What should an oral assessment include?

  Visual inspection of lips, gums, teeth, and tongue
• What type of toothbrush is recommended for most patients?

  A manual or powered toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste
• What should be used for patients without teeth?

  Soft sponges with chlorhexidine mouthwash
• What are signs of nail infection?

  Odour, swelling, redness, and discoloration