Physical Care Skills: Hygiene, Nutrition, Elimination, Mobility, and Vital Signs
Hygiene and grooming
Expose only the area you are washing and keep the rest covered. Wash eyes from inner to outer corner, use a clean part of the cloth each stroke, wash the perineum front to back, and give perineal care last. Provide oral care at least twice daily and after meals; for an unconscious resident, turn them to the side and do not put fluids in the mouth. Clean dentures over a basin lined with a towel. Do not cut the nails of a diabetic resident - report it. Shave in the direction of hair growth and check policy before using a razor on a resident taking blood thinners.
Food and fluids
Know the diet order: regular, mechanical soft, puree, low-sodium, diabetic, thickened liquids. For dysphagia, sit the resident upright, feed small bites slowly, check for pocketing, and stop if they cough or gurgle. Offer fluids often, record intake and output accurately, and weigh at the same time daily on the same scale.
Elimination
Answer toileting requests promptly, provide privacy, and give perineal care afterward. With an indwelling catheter, keep the bag below bladder level and off the floor; report cloudy or foul-smelling urine or a sudden change in output.
Mobility and vital signs
Reposition at least every 2 hours, maintain alignment, and dangle before standing. Normal adult ranges: oral temperature 97.6–99.6°F, pulse 60–100, respirations 12–20, blood pressure under 120/80, oxygen saturation 95–100%. Count respirations for a full minute when irregular and without announcing it. Avoid oral temperatures after hot or cold drinks, smoking, or gum; avoid rectal temperatures with diarrhea or rectal surgery.
Rule of thumb
Front to back, upright to eat, and respirations counted for a full minute when in doubt.