The method of ridding the hair of lice under the armpit (pediculus corporis) and on the pubis (pediculus pubis). Hair lice is one of the common ectoparasitic infestation of the psychiatric patient that causes a lot of itching and discomfort.
Aims
· Prevent infection and promote recovery
· Promote skin integrity
· Relieve patient of discomfort
· Promote self esteem
Requirements
1. A tray containing the following:
· Fine-toothed comb
· Gallipot with cotton wool and gauze swab
· Protective material
· Hair cover for nurse(s)
· Treatment lotion in gallipot (e.g. savlon, benzyl alcohol 5%, crotamiton 10% etc)
· Receiver for used swabs
· Rubber apron
· Examination gloves
· Bath towel
· Shaving device (electronic/disposable)
2. Screen
3. Bathing items
Steps
1. Establish rapport (refer procedure)
2. Explain procedure to patient
3. Provide privacy
4. Prepare and send tray to appropriate place
5. Take patient to the appropriate place for the procedure
6. Sit/place patient in a desired position
7. Perform hand hygiene, put on rubber apron, hair cover and don gloves
8. Cover the patient’s clothing and bed with protective material
9. Ask for patient’s consent to shave the armpit and pubic area
10. Shave patient’s armpit and pubis (refer procedure)
11. Encourage patient to bath or assist where necessary (refer procedure)
12. Change patient’s clothes and bed linen
13. Remove protective material, and leave patient dry and comfortable
14. If patient refuses to be shaved, treat as head lice (refer procedure)
15. Express appreciation to patient and direct him/her to the next activity
16. Remove screen, clear tray, decontaminate used items and perform hand hygiene
17. Changed clothes/bed linen should be disinfected and sent to the laundry
18. Document procedure, report any abnormalities and indicate patient’s level of co-operation in the nurses’ notes/patient’s folder
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