Question

Melvin Fuller is a patient on the medical-surgical unit who was admitted during the previous evening for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He is an 83-year-old widower with two children who both live an hour away. He lives in a small house and is independent in his care. He has a housekeeper who comes in once a week to clean and fix some meals for him. He was brought to the hospital by his son who was visiting. His children visit him at least once a month. Mr. Fuller has COPD and type 2 diabetes.

Alicia Brown is a 19-year-old nursing student in her first clinical rotation. She has been assigned to Mr. Fuller for morning care. Alicia enters Mr. Fuller’s room and notices that coffee has been spilled on his bed and gown. He tells Alicia that he is finished with his breakfast and to take the tray out. After removing the meal tray, Alicia asks Mr. Fuller if now would be a good time to get cleaned up. Mr. Fuller is agreeable but tells Alicia that he is too weak to go in the bathroom and clean up.

1. Alicia begins gathering all the supplies that she will need to provide hygiene for Mr. Fuller. List six items that Alicia should gather.
2. Alicia knows that Mr. Fuller has diabetes. What assessments are important during hygiene related to that diagnosis? What is important to include in the assessment?
3. Alicia makes Mr. Fuller’s bed while he is sitting in a chair. She brought in a sheet that she did not use in making the bed. What should she do with that sheet and the dirty linen when she is finished making the bed?
4. Because Mr. Fuller has dentures, Alicia offers to clean them for him. Which of the following actions are appropriate in cleaning his dentures? (Select all that apply.)

Answer 1

• Toothpaste, Toothbrush, mouthwash, Bathing soap, Shampoo & Conditioner, Bath towel, Comb, Finger nail clippers etc are things needed for hygeine.
• Regular skin assessments of diabetic patients for skin breakdown, ulceration and signs of infection.

Regular foot assessment is also necessary as diabetes delays wound healing. Wear clean and dry socks, change daily

Practicing good oral hygiene.

• Roll the dirty linen away from the body and place it in a hamper or cart and immediately wash hands. She is having another linen with her that can be used to cover the patient.
• Tell the patient to remove and place denture in the bowl of water, then the student nurse can clean it with denture brush and look for any cracks in it, also check the oral cavity of the patient for any signs of infection .After cleaning allow it to air dry and give it to the patient.Night time, remove and keep it in a bowl of water