BATHING AND ORAL CARE - NURSING CONSIDERATION:

Personal Support Workers (PSW) Final Exam (Latest Update 2025 / 2026) Study Set Questions & Answers | Grade A | 100% Correct (Verified Answers)

Question:

BATHING AND ORAL CARE - NURSING CONSIDERATION:

Answer:

Bathing helps keep the skin as well as the genital and anal areas clean by removing microbes, dead skin, perspiration and excess oils.A bath is relaxing, stimulates circulation, and exercises body parts. During baths you're able to make important observations about clients, and you have time to get to know them.The client may require a complete bath or a partial bed bath, a tub bath or a shower depending on the client's condition, self care ability and personal choice.In facilities bathing usually happens after breakfast or the evening meal. The client's bath time is respected whenever possible.Bath water that is too hot can scald a frail, thin person.Many agencies require 2 people to check the water temperature and record it in the client's chart. 1 / 4

Aging and soap can cause dry skin, which is easily damaged. When using soap, ensure you're rinsing thoroughly. Bath oils should never be added to tubs baths, as they can increase the risk of the client slipping and falling.

Question:

Observe the client's skin during bathing procedures. Report and record the

following:

Answer:

• The colour of the skin, lips, nail beds, and sclera (whites of the eyes) • The location and description of rashes • Dry skin • Bruises or open skin areas • Pale and reddened areas, particularly over bony parts • Drainage of bleeding from wounds or body openings • Swelling of feet or legs • Corns or calluses on feet • Skin temperature • Complaints of pain or discomfort

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Question:

Complete Bed Bath

Answer:

involves washing the entire body while client is still in bed. It is given to clients who cannot bathe themselves, clients who are unconscious, paralyzed, in casts or traction or weak from illness or surgery.Explain to the client how a bed bath works and that the persons body will be covered for privacy.

Question:

Towel Baths

Answer:

usually an oversized towel is used so as to cover the client's body. The towel is saturated with a cleaning solution which contains water, a cleaning solution and a skin softening agent. Clients with dementia often accept this type of bath well.

Question:

Bag Baths

Answer:

a prepackaged bath containing moist washcloths that are heated in the microwave. No towel is needed as the skin is air dried.

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Question:

The Partial Bath

Answer:

involves bathing the face, hands, axillae (underarms), back, buttocks and perineal area. These areas develop odors or cause discomfort if they are not clean. Partial baths are given to client's who cannot bathe themselves. Some clients may be able to bath themselves in bed or standing at a sink.

Question:

Tub Baths & Showers

Answer:

Some clients prefer tub baths and some prefer showers, regardless falls and burns from hot water can occur, so ensuring safety is key. You must provide slipping, falls, chills and burns.Tub Baths - many clients find tub baths relaxing, but they can cause a client to feel faint, weak, or tired. These risks are greater for those on bed rest. As such a bath should last no longer than 20 minutes.In a facility you'll need to reserve the tub. Clean the tub before and after use to avoid the spread of microbes.Some facilities have portable tubs with sides that can be lowered for the client to get in. Whirlpool tubs have hydraulic lifts. In a whirlpool bath the motion cleans the lower half and you clean the client's upper body. The Whirlpool jets should be cleaned after each use.In a client's home the bathroom should be as safe as possible. Ensure a rubber bath mat or non-skid strips on the tub or shower floor. Safety devices such as grab bars, transfer boards and bath or shower chairs are helpful to some

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