HLT51607 – Diploma of Nursing

INCP - Grooming

Hair Care Includes:

•Combing, brushing, and washing.

•The frequency of hair care will depend on the client and their condition.

Shaving•Can be performed with a safety or electric (battery) razor – depending on clients condition.

•Shaving equipment must never be shared.

•Blade razors are contraindicated for someone receiving anti-coagulant medication.

•Electric shavers are contraindicated for someone receiving oxygen therapy (fire risk).

Nail, hand and foot care

The primary goals of care are to enhance body image, promote self image and to prevent problems that interfere with function.Problems may include:inflammation trauma and accumulated debris.

Normal nail bed

Nails

Nails are epithelial tissue that grow from the root of the nail bed located in the skin at the nail groove.

Examination guidelines for nails:• Normal findings: Shape and configuration• Dorasa nail surface; slightly convex.• Nail thickness’; 0.3-0.65mm• Angle at nail base, at the skin nail interface is normally

160degree angle• Transparent , smooth

THICKENED NAILS

Common condition Usually the result of injury to the nail bed, such as dropping something heavy on your toes or fungal infection.

FUNGAL INFECTIONSAre among the most troublesome of nail conditions to treat. • They are often characterised by

thickening, discoloration and separation of the front of the nail from the nail bed.

• In some cases the nail crumbles.

• These infections tend to stay in the nail if they are not treated, and can infect the nail bed.

Podiatry

Foot wearMust be appropriate and promote safety

Assessment of hands and feetInspect all surfaces – pay attention to areas of dryness, inflammation, cracking

Colour, temperature, capillary refill of the nail

Feet

Observe gait – it may indicate pain

Footwear- suitable, comfortable, fits well

Identify risks• Elderly, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, renal disease,

CVA

Patient’s ability to self-care• Visual, fatigue, musculoskeletal

Clothes

Choice,

Comfort

Care

Eye Glasses, hearing accessories,and cosmetics – also deodorant/ aftershave/ perfume/ talc

Mouth Care

Care of the teeth/ gums

Denture Care

Problems associated with the mouthPlaque- a thin layer of mucin & colloid material found in saliva, often invaded by bacteria. • Plaque prevents normal acid

dilution and neutralization.

Tartar– a hard gritty deposit composed of organic matter and phosphates & carbohydrates that collects on the teeth and gums.Gingivitis gums are red, swollen and bleeding. • Usually a result of poor dental

hygiene and accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth.

Halitosis– bad breath

Problems associated with the mouth

Glossitis -inflammation of the tongue.Stomatitis- inflammation of the mouthPeriodontitis- receding gum lines, inflammation and gaps between the teeth.Cheilosis- cracking of the lips especially at the angle of the mouth (Riboflavin deficiency)Sordes -debris that consist of food, microorganisms and epithelial cells, that accumulate on the teeth, tongue and lips during a febrile illness or when a person is NPO.Ill-fitting denturesDeviated tongue alignmentCleft palate/ lip

Risk factors for oral problems

Mouth breathers

Patient undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or oral surgery

Ageing- mucosa becomes thin and less elastic

Diabetes mellitus- more prone to dryness, gingivitis, periodontal disease & loss or teeth.

Blood clotting disorders- predisposed to inflammation and bleeding

Piercing

Risk factors for oral problems

Unconscious

Behavioral / emotional problems eg. Confused

Physical disabilities

Fluid restrictions for fasting

Nasogastric tubes

Continuous oxygen therapy

Oral Care and assessment

Cleaning teeth, tongue and gumsAssessing mouth• Pain Assessment• Infection• Bleeding gums• Odours• Discharge • Dryness of mouth and lips

(Xerostoma,)• Difficulty of swallowing • Condition of teeth• Pressure areas

DenturesDentures require proper care to remove soft plaque deposits and calcium deposits and to remove odour.

Place dentures into water when out of mouth for long periods as drying out may cause them to warp or break, if appropriate.

Some dentures do not need to be left in water.

Tooth physiology

Tooth problems

Regular dental care