Component Task: Care of Hands and Feet

This is the act of maintaining cleanliness of the hands and feet of a patient while on admission. It is recommended that this procedure is performed after the bath of a patient/client. Nail care can also be given after soaking the hands or feet in a basin of warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften the nails.

Aims

·         Keep hands and feet clean

·         Prevent skin injury and infections

·         Detect or examine abnormalities

·         Improve grooming

·         Promote self esteem

Requirements

A trolley containing the following:

a.      Top Shelf

·         Two bowels or basins

·         Two bowels or basins

·         Nail clipper and file in a receiver

·         Soap in a dish

·         Nail brush

·         Sponge

·         Hand or bath towel

·         Mackintosh and dressing towel

·         Hand cream or lotion

·         Orange stick (toothpick)

b.      Bottom Shelf

·         Two jugs containing hot and cold water

·         Bucket to receive used water

c.      Heart table

d.      Chair

Steps

1.        Establish rapport (Refer to steps)

2.      Explain procedure to patient

3.      Perform hand hygiene

4.      Provide privacy and take trolley to bedside

5.      Position patient in a desirable position

6.      Inspect the skin of hands and feet for callous, swelling and any sores

7.       Protect the bed with a mackintosh and dressing towel

8.      Mix and allow patient to check the temperature of the water

9.      Place bowl of warm water on the mackintosh and towel

10.    Wet fingers in a bowl of warm water

11.      Immerse feet in a bowel of water

12.    Cut finger nails to the shape of finger tips using a pair of scissors or nail clipper

13.    Cut toe nails across to prevent in-growing toe nails

14.    Put all nail clippings into a receiver

15.    Put hands into the bowl of warm water and scrub nails gently with nail brush

16.    Use orange stick to remove debris

17.    Wash hands thoroughly using soap and sponge

18.    Alternatively put feet into the bowl of warm water and scrub nails gently with a nail brush

19.    Use orange stick to remove debris

20.  Wash feet thoroughly using soap and sponge

21.    Change warm water and rinse the hands and feet alternatively

22.  Dry hands and feet thoroughly

23.  Apply hand cream or lotion to the hands and feet

24.  Remove mackintosh and towel

25.  Assist patient into a desirable position

26.  Dispose off used items and decontaminate instruments

27.  Perform hand hygiene

28.  Document procedure and report findings (manual or electronic)