Key Terms
Personal care
Care related to a patient's body, appearance, hygiene, and movement. Tasks include bathing, mouth care, dressing/groomin
Infectious agent
Anything that causes disease — bacteria, virus, or parasites.
Handwashing
The number one way to prevent spread of infectious agents. Easiest and most effective method for breaking the chain of i
Most at risk
The very young (immune system not fully developed), the very old (immune system less effective with age), and immunocomp
Gloves must be worn when contacting
Blood, body fluids, urine, feces, vomit, saliva. Also when: providing a bath, performing mouth care, shaving, disposing
Observe for
Changes in color, temperature, swelling, new bruises, open areas, red areas, sores. Action: document all findings and in
Sterile dressings
Used over new, open, or draining wounds. Sterile technique required to prevent introducing pathogens into the wound.
Clean (non-sterile) dressings
Applied to dry, closed wounds with lower infection risk.
Order of washing
Eyes and face, ears and neck, arms and axillae, hands, chest and abdomen, legs, feet, perineal area, back, buttocks.
Eyes
Wash from inner corner (near nose) to outer corner (near temple); use a different corner of the washcloth for each eye;
Arms
Wash from lower arm upward toward the heart — promotes circulation.
Abdomen
Wash and dry well under abdominal skin folds — moist areas harbor bacteria and fungi. Apply powder only as directed in C
Feet
Soak 10 minutes minimum; dry thoroughly between toes — moisture between toes promotes bacterial and fungal growth.
Scrotal area
Lift scrotum to wash underneath; rinse and dry thoroughly with patting motions.
Buttocks
Washed last, after the back. Never move from buttocks back to back.