a. Administering Hygiene.

Hygiene includes care of the skin, along with the hair, hands, feet, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, back, and perineum. This includes the bath, components of the bath, bed making, and assisting the patient in the use of the bed pan, urinal, and bedside commode.

b. Importance of Hygiene and Care.

The bath stimulates circulation in the skin and underlying tissues; it cleans and refreshes, promoting health and comfort; it provides some exercise for the patient; and similar to the opportunities available in making the occupied patient’s bed, it provides excellent opportunities for observation of the patient’s physical and emotional condition and for patient-centered conversation to promote good interpersonal relationships.