Grooming and Personal Care

Why is personal hygiene important in caregiving?

• It promotes physical and mental well-being

• It prevents infections and diseases

• It boosts client self-esteem and dignity

• All of the above

Which of the following is the best practice when assisting a client with brushing their teeth?

• Use a toothbrush with hard bristles to clean more effectively

• Let the client brush their own teeth if they can

• Never help a client brush their teeth if they are capable of doing it themselves

• Only clean the front teeth

When should you wash your hands?

• Only after using the restroom

• After helping a client with personal hygiene tasks

• Before and after any contact with a client

• Both b and c

You should assist a client with bathing or showering

• Only if they request it

• All the time

• Only after surgery

• Dependent on the client's ability and health status

A client's dignity and privacy should be respected during personal hygiene care in the following situations

• When they request it

• Only when they are conscious

• At all times

• When they are over the age of 18

After assisting a client with toileting, you should always ____ ____ ____ before continuing with any other task.

When performing nail care for a client, the nails should be cut

• Straight across

• Curved at the ends

• Never cut a client's nails

• Let the client cut their own nails according to their preference

What should you report to your supervisor or responsible health care provider when providing hygiene care to your client?

• The client's skin is becoming more dry during the winter months

• The client who has had surgery on their arm is having difficulty assisting you with their hygiene care

• The client with limited mobility has an area of redness on the posterior elbow that is larger than yesterday, but she isn't complaining of pain

• You notice a mole on the elderly client's forearm but the family members says it's been there since the client was a small child and has not changed in appearance

How should you maintain a client's privacy while assisting with personal hygiene tasks?

• Keep the client fully covered with a blanket or towel when assisting, exposing only required body parts

• Do the tasks as quickly as possible without concern for privacy

• Only assist with personal hygiene tasks when other people are in the room

• Ask the client if they prefer to be assisted in public or private areas

Some general guidelines to follow when preparing to provide personal hygiene to a client are:

• Make sure the client does not lock the door to the bathroom

• Be happy, calm and casual to ease tension for the client and encourage comfort

• Explain each step before you will do it

• All of the above