Providing Perineal Care for the Female Resident for ARC Testing

Equipment: incontinent pad, bath blanket, 2 towels, 4 washcloths, gloves, basin of water (105 degrees), soap, cream for irritation if needed, barrier

Procedure:

1.) Knock on door and listen for residents response.

2.) Address resident by name and introduce self.

3.) Wash hands before contact with resident.

4.) Explain procedure to resident, speaking clearly, slowly, and directly, maintaining face-to-face contact whenever possible.

5.) Provide for residents privacy with curtain, screen, or door.

6.) Adjust bed to safe working height with rails up; lock wheels.

7.) Test water temperature and ensure it is safe and comfortable before washing, and adjust if necessary.

8.) Put on clean gloves before contact with linen, incontinent pad, and/or resident.

9.) Cover resident with bath blanket and move top linens to foot of bed.

10.) Place pad or protective linen under area.

11.) Expose only perineal area.  Wash perineal area with soapy washcloth, moving from front to back, while using a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke.

12.) Rinse perineal area, moving from front to back, while using a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke.

13.) Dry perineal area moving from front to back, using a blotting motion with towel.

14.) Turn resident on side.  Wash, rinse, and dry buttocks and peri-anal area.

15.) Reposition resident.  Replace top covers and remove bath blanket.

16.) Dispose of soiled linen and incontinent pad in proper containers.  Avoid contact between your clothing and soiled linens/pads throughout procedure.

17.) Empty, rinse, and wipe basin and return to proper storage.

18.) Wash hands.

19.) Place signaling device within residents reach.

20.) Leave bed in lowest position. Remove privacy measure.

21.) Report any changes in resident to nurse.  Document procedure according to facility guidelines.