Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2: FUNDAMENTAL PATIENT CARE SKILLS 

2.1 Hygiene and Personal Care 

Maintaining hygiene prevents infections and promotes comfort. This includes: 

Bathing 

The act of cleaning a patient's body to prevent illness and discomfort. 

Oral Hygiene 

Brushing and maintaining dental health to prevent infections and bad breath. 

Hair and Nail Care 

Trimming nails and keeping hair neat to prevent infections. 

Skin Care 

Using moisturizers and monitoring for sores to ensure skin health. 

Dressing and Grooming 

Helping patients with clothing and appearance for self-esteem. 

Case Study: Importance of Personal Care 

Lisa, a nursing assistant, notices that her patient, Mr. Johnson, refuses to take a bath. Instead of forcing him, she patiently explains the benefits of hygiene and allows him to choose a comfortable bathing method. Her approach helps Mr. Johnson feel respected and more cooperative. 

2.2 Assisting with Mobility 

Mobility is crucial for preventing bedsores and maintaining muscle strength. This includes: 

• Proper Lifting Techniques: Prevents injuries when transferring patients. 

• Walking Assistance: Helps patients safely use assistive devices. 

• Bed Mobility: Repositioning bedridden patients. 

• Range-of-Motion Exercises: Preventing joint stiffness. 

2.3 Nutrition and Feeding Assistance 

Diet plays a key role in recovery. Nursing assistants should understand: 

• Dietary Needs: Tailoring meals to conditions like diabetes. 

• Feeding Techniques: Helping patients eat safely. 

• Hydration Monitoring: Preventing dehydration. 

Case Study: Identifying Malnutrition 

Anna notices that her patient, Mr. Thompson, has been eating very little over the past few days. She reports it to the nurse, who discovers that Mr. Thompson has difficulty swallowing and requires a modified diet.