Patient Care Fundamentals- Chapter 12: Personal Care (Information from- Nursing Assisting A Foundation in Caregiving)

13. Why should nursing assistants not cut residents' toenails?

"Problems with circulation can lead to a serious infection if skin is accidentally cut while caring for the nails."

2. List three ways nursing assistants can help promote residents' dignity when performing personal care.

1. Allow the residents enough time to use the bathroom without rushing or interrupting them. 2. Assist with dressing as needed, but allow as much independence as possible. 3. Be patient while they perform care tasks.

8. What are two benefits of back rubs?

1. Helps relax tired, tense muscles. 2. Improves circulation

4. In general, what should the water temperature be for bathing residents?

105°F

16. When bathing a resident, which body part should be washed first?

A. Eyes

19. When dressing a resident, on which side should a nursing assistant start?

A. On the resident's weaker side

15. Which of the following should be washed before the axillae (underarms)?

B. Face

17. At a minimum, how often should oral care be performed?

B. Two times a day

18. How should dentures be stored after they are cleaned if the resident does not want to wear them?

D. Dentures should be stored in a denture cup filled with cool water.

7. How often should the perineal area be bathed?

Every day

1. Define the terms hygiene and grooming.

Hygiene is practices to keep the body clean. Grooming is practices to care for oneself, such as caring for fingernails and hair.

12. Under what circumstances should an electric razor not be used?

If the resident uses oxygen.

3. Which serious skin wound can nursing assistants help prevent by observing residents' skin closely?

Pressure ulcers.

5. Why should residents be involved in choosing a comfortable water temperature?

So that the temperature is comfortable for them.

14. When dressing and undressing residents, how should nursing assistants refer to the weaker side?

The Affected side

10. Why should nursing assistants explain what they are doing when working with unconscious residents?

They may be able to still hear you and they deserve the same respect as any other resident.

6. Why should the use of bath oils, gels, and powders be avoided when bathing residents?

This can cause the bath tub/shower to be slippery and can increase the risk of falls.

9. What is the best way to prevent aspiration when performing oral care on unconscious residents?

Using as little liquid as possible.

11. Should nursing assistants wear gloves when shaving residents? Why or why not?

Yes, because it is a part of Standard Precautions due to the risk of the exposure of blood.

Additive

a substance added to another substance, changing its effect.

Plaque

a substance that accumulates on the teeth from food and bacteria.

Bridge

a type of dental appliance that replaces missing or pulled teeth.

Pediculosis

an infestation of lice.

Gingivitis

an inflammation of the gums.

Halitosis

bad breath.

Partial Bath

bath that includes washing the face, underarms, hands, and perineal are.

Dandruff

excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp.

Tartar

hard deposits on the teeth that are filled with bacteria; may cause gum disease and loose teeth if not removed.

Edentulous

lacking teeth; toothless.

Grooming

practices to care for oneself, such as caring for fingernails and hair.

Hygiene

practices to keep the body clean.

Edema

swelling in body tissues caused by excess fluid.

Axilla

underarm or armpit area.