Partial Bath

Partial Bath

It is the act of cleaning particular areas of the body parts, such as face, axilla and genitalia, upper and lower extremities.

Therapeutic Bath

Therapeutic baths require a physician's order stating the types of bath, temperature of water, body surfaces to be treated and the type of medicated solution to be used. Therapeutic bath is usually performed in a tub. It is used to reduce muscle soreness and tension.

The therapeutic baths are further classified into:

Cool or Tepid Water:

It is used to relieve tension or lower body temperature. The nurse needs to prevent chilling and rapid decrease of temperature during a cool or tepid bath.

Soak:

A soak can include the entire body or can be limited to only one body part. A soak/consists of applying water with or without a medicated solution to reduce pain, swelling or to soften to remove dead tissues.

Sitz Bath:

It cleans and reduces inflammation in the perineal and anal areas. They are commonly used for hemorrhoids or anal tissues and after perineal or rectal surgery and after repairing of perineal tear.

Hair Care

Hair care includes hair washing periodically and brushing and combing hair daily.

Hair Washing

Hair washing means washing and cleaning hair with soap or shampoo and water. Whether your hair is long or short, keeping it clean makes it shine and helps you look healthy and well groomed. Ambulatory patients can wash their hair in the bathroom but bedridden patients need to wash their hair in the bed.

Common Hair and Scalp Problems

Dandruff: Sealing of scalp accompanied by itching

Pediculosis: Lice infestation

Alopecia: Hair loss

Purposes

• to maintain healthy, clean, and organized hair.
• to foster a feeling of wellbeing.
• to check out the scalp.
• help improve blood flow to the hair and scalp.
• to avoid the buildup of oil, dandruff, and debris.
• to encourage hair development.
• to avoid lice, infections, and irritation.
• in order to stop hair loss.
• to encourage mental tranquility.
• to present a chance for teaching.

Principles

• To the patient: Describe the procedure.
• Examine the patient's overall health, the health of their hair, scalp, and whether they require shampoo.
• uphold your privacy.
• To prepare for hair shampooing, empty the bladder.
• Set the bed's height for comfort.
• Turn off the fan and shut the windows.
• Before washing your hair, you should first comb your hair.
• Smoothly and softly combed and brushed hair without harming the sufferer.
• Avoid getting soapy water in your eyes or ears.
• The ideal water temperature is 110°F. Put a tiny bit of water on the inside of your forearm to check the temperature.
• For at least an hour after eating, patients should refrain from washing their hair.
• Take into account the patient's cultural, religious, and personal preferences.
• If there are central venous lines present, more care should be used when situating the patient.
• The comb's teeth should be smooth to avoid scratching the scalp.
• Skin that is intact serves as an infection barrier.
• Using effective strategies regularly can save time and effort.
• Since cotton does not absorb water, it is used to seal the ear, preventing water from getting inside.
• Neglected hair and scalp are full of debris and microorganisms, and they can also infect the scalp.
• A patient is more comfortable and looks more appealing with well-combed and maintained hair.

Equipment

• Trolley,
• Bucket with warm water 1,
• Bucket for waste water 1,
• Big towel,
• Face towel -1 (for frontal placement),
• Big mackintosh,
• Jug,
• Cotton with oil or non-refined cotton,
• Shampoo or soap with soap dish,
•  Brush, comb and oil,
• Hair dryer if available,
•  Pillow,
• Clean cloth,
• Screen if necessary,
• Plastic apron.

Procedures

Key Points

• Prevent eyes and ears from soapy water.
• Empty the bladder before hair washing.