Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Unit 25 General Comfort Measures.

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.

Unit 25

General Comfort Measures


Objectives

• Spell and define terms.• Discuss the reasons for early morning

and bedtime care.• Identify patients who require frequent

oral hygiene.• List the purposes of oral hygiene.


Objectives

• Explain nursing assistant responsibilities for a patient’s dentures.

• State the purpose of backrubs.• Describe safety precautions when

shaving a patient.• Describe the importance of hair care.• Explain the use of comfort devices.


AM Care and PM Care

• Early morning (AM) care – Prepares patient for a day of activities

• Bedtime (PM) care– Prepares patient for a night of rest


Early Morning (AM) Care

• Early morning or AM care – Helps set the tone for the entire day


Bedtime (PM) Care

• Care given to a patient just before bedtime– Similar to that given in the early morning– Bedtime care is called PM care


Oral Hygiene

• Care of the mouth and teeth– You will assist patients with toothbrushing

and flossing, as needed

• Occasionally, you will encounter a patient with no teeth and no dentures– Patient still needs regular oral hygiene


Dentures

• Artificial teeth that are removable• Some patients may have a full set of

dentures– Other patients may have partial plates that

are removable but attach to existing teeth by small metal clips


Dentures

• Partial plates should be given the same care as full dentures


Backrubs

• When properly given, a backrub can be:– Stimulating to the patient’s circulation– A major aid in preventing skin breakdown– Soothing– Refreshing


Daily Shaving

• Daily shaving is part of the routine self-care of most men– It should not be neglected in a care facility

• When patients are unable to shave themselves and a barber is not available– Shaving them is your responsibility


Daily Hair Care

• Daily care of the hair, for both male and female patients– Usually performed after the patient’s bed

bath– Hair should be combed and brushed each

morning


Comfort Devices

• Physician, nurse, or physical therapist orders comfort devices such as the following:– Bed cradles– Footboards– Pillows


Elimination Needs

• Regular elimination of body wastes is essential to maintaining health

• Always cover the bedpan, urinal, and commode receptacle when taking to the bathroom or utility room to empty

• Avoid contaminating environmental surfaces with your used gloves


One-Glove Technique

• Some facilities:– Require health care providers to use one-

glove technique when removing bedpans, urinals, and other contaminated items

– Gloves are worn on both hands when the contaminated item is removed

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Unit 25 General Comfort Measures.

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Transcript of Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Unit 25 General Comfort Measures.