An older adult resident of a long-term care facility has ...

[penguins]

An older adult resident of a long-term care facility has recurring problems with dry skin. Which of the following strategies should the nursing staff utilize in order to help meet the resident's hygiene needs while preventing skin dryness?
 
  A) Use a nonsoap cleaning agent.
  B) Use organic soap and shampoo.
  C) Bathe the client more often, but without using soap or shampoo.
  D) Provide the client with bed baths rather than tub baths.

Question 2

The nurse has completed an assessment of a client's typical hygiene practices. How should the nurse best document the findings of this assessment in the client's chart?
 
  A) Client normally bathes and washes her hair every other day; applies moisturizer to dry areas on her elbows and forearms.
  B) Client prioritizes personal hygiene in her daily routines and is proactive with skin care.
  C) Client bathes more often than necessary and consequently experiences dry skin.
  D) Client's level of personal hygiene is acceptable and age-appropriate.

[al]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A
Soap cleans the skin, but while it removes dirt from the surface, it affects the lipids that are present on the skin, and the skin pH. This contributes to drier skin, damaging the barrier function of the skin. The substitution of a nonsoap, emollient cleaning agent is an easy way to prevent drying and damage to the skin. An organic soap is not necessarily less drying to the skin. It would be inappropriate to forego the use of any cleaning products whatsoever. Providing a bed bath rather than a tub bath will not necessarily minimize dry skin.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: A
When documenting the nursing history, it is best to be specific, clearly describing the client's typical hygiene practices and any complaints. Judgments regarding cause and effect are likely premature in this context and may be inaccurate.

[penguins]

TYSM

[olderstudent]

Great answer, keep it coming