Perineal care is often referred to as “pericare;” it consists of external irrigation of the vulva and perineum following voiding or defecation and is part of the routine A. M. and P. M. care.

Patients may be able to perform their own perineal care or may need partial or total assistance from the nurse.

Embarrassment on the part of the patient and the nurse can be effectively dealt with by ensuring patient privacy during the procedure and not totally exposing the patient’s genital area.

Key points:

• Ensure patient privacy.
• Wipe from front to back (vagina toward rectum) on female patients to avoid contaminating the vagina or urethral meatus.
• Do not use the same washcloth for any other portion of the patient’s bath.