In providing perineal care to a female patient, the nurse should ...

[jessicacav]

In providing perineal care to a female patient, the nurse should wash
 
  a. Upward from rectum to pubic area.
  b. From back to front.
  c. From pubic area to rectum.
  d. In a circular motion.

Question 2

The female nurse is caring for a male patient who is uncircumcised but not ambulatory, although he has full function of arms and hands. The nurse is providing the patient with a partial bed bath. Perineal care for this patient
 
  a. Is not necessary because he is not circumcised.
  b. Should be postponed because it may cause him embarrassment.
  c. Should be done by the patient.
  d. Should be done by the nurse.

[wuly]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Cleansing from pubic area to rectum (front to back) reduces the transfer of microorganisms to the urinary meatus and decreases the risk of urinary tract infection. Cleansing from rectum to pubic area or back to front increases the risk of urinary tract infection. Circular motions are used in male perineal care.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Patients most in need of perineal care are those at greatest risk for acquiring an infection such as uncircumcised males. If a patient is able to perform perineal self-care, encourage this independence. Embarrassment should not cause the nurse to overlook the patient's hygiene needs. The nurse should provide this care only if the patient is unable to do so.

[jessicacav]

Excellent

[bulacsom]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it