Care of Hand Feet and Nails.
Care of Hand Feet and Nails.
Care of Hand Feet and Nails.
Definition
It is the care given to the patient to remove dirt from hand feet and nail in order to maintain
personal hygiene.
Purposes
Examinations
To promote relaxation and comfort
To relieve fatigue
To induce sleep
To maintain good IPR(inter personal relationship)
To maintain cleanliness
Indications
Unconscious patient
Preoperative
Post-operative
Neuropathies
Impaired physical mobility
Procedure
Preparation of the articles
Mackintosh-2
Small basin-1
Basin-1
Soap-1
Soap dish
Small bowl
Sponge cloth
Bath towel
Nail cutter
Cotton swabs
Cardiac table
Paper bag or kidney tray
Nail brushes
Gloves
Vaseline
Lotion thermometer
Jugs
Preparation of unit
Adequate lighting
Switch off the fan
Provide privacy if needed
Preparation of patient
Preparation of nurse
Steps of procedure
Mix the hot and cold water in the basin, till the basin and bowl are half filled and check the
temperature by using a lotion thermometer/back of the hand (The skin on the back of the hand is
sensitive and helps in assessing the temperature. Temperature should be 43-44 degree
centigrade.)
Identify the clients risk for foot and nail problems (To prevent further complications)
Explain the procedure to the patient (To gain the cooperation and confidence of the patient)
Place the mackintosh under the feet and keep the basin over the mackintosh and ask the patient
to keep his feet inside basin (To avoid the soiling of the floor or table.)
Keep the cardiac table over the bed and place the mackintosh over the table and keep the basin.
Patient to dip his fingers and hands inside the water (To prevent soiling and helps cleaning)
Allow the feet and hand to soak for 10-15 minutes (This help in easy cleaning and cutting of
nails)
Clean the hand gently with soap thoroughly. Clean the finger nails with nail brush (Helps in
removing the dirt)
Cut the finger nails in circular shape and trim the ends(Prevents injury to the patient and others)
Wipe the hands using a towel and apply lotion if needed(Wiping helps in drying of the hand and
applying lotion prevents dryness)
Clean gently the feet and by using a scrub, scrub the hand ends of the feet, apply soap in circular
motion (Scrubbing helps in removing the dry and dead skin)
Before cutting the toe nails keep a swab around it. (Keeping the cotton swab prevents spillage of
nails.)
Apply lotion to the feet and wipe before applying lotion. (Applying lotion helps in prevention of
dryness.)
Assist the client back to the bed and provide comfortable position
Wash hands (To prevent cross infection)
1. Mackintosh
Wash it with cold running water with soap and dry it in shade
2. Basin
Wash it with cold running water with soap and dry it in shade
3. Towel
Wash it with soap and water and dry it in sunlight
4. Nail cutter
Dip the nail cutter in savlon solution (1:20) and clean with running water
5. Replace the other articles soap, soap dish, cardiac table, nail brush etc.
6. Nail brush
Put the nail brush in savlon solution and clean it with cold running water and dry it.