Summary
Highlights
The video introduces hygiene and comfort measures for the eyes, ears, and nose, emphasizing providing opportunities for comfort according to life's needs and conditions.
For eye care, a small basin with water, eye pads, gauze, cotton blankets, and a waste receptacle are needed. For nose care, a cotton-tipped applicator or bulb, non-stick ointment, tissue paper, and a waste receptacle are required.
Before starting, assist the patient, check physician's orders, assess the patient's ability to clean, verify supplies are in the room, and wash hands.
Explain the procedure to the patient. Inspect external eye structures, checking for flaking around the eyebrows. Using a clean washcloth moistened with tap water, wipe the eyes from the inner to outer canthus, washing discharge away from the nasal area. For comatose clients, gently close eyelids and hold them closed while placing an eye pad, then secure it with tape.
Inspect the internal and external ear and surrounding areas. Check for cerumen or drainage in the ear canal, as well as inflammation or pain.
Inspect for deformity, redness, swelling, localized tenderness, and inflammation. The best way to clean the nose is by blowing directly. If the client cannot blow their nose, openings can be cleared by wiping the nostrils and external nares with a cotton-tipped applicator or bulb. A cotton ball or paper towel can be used to clean the layers.
Dispose of waste, wash hands, and document the procedure, noting the patient's tolerance and comfort.