How should the eyes be washed during a bed bath?
- From the inner corner outward, with plain water
- From the outer corner inward, with plain water
- From the inner corner outward, with soapy water
- Back and forth across the lid, with soapy water
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A. From the inner corner outward, with plain water
Wiping from the inner corner (near the nose) outward moves drainage away from the tear duct, and a clean part of the washcloth is used for each eye. Soap is not used because it irritates the eyes.
Reference: Personal care: bathing
When giving perineal care to a female resident, in which direction should the nursing assistant wipe?
- From back to front
- From front to back
- In a circle, outside to inside
- Side to side across the area
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B. From front to back
Wiping from the front (urinary opening) toward the back (anus) moves germs away from the urinary opening and helps prevent urinary tract infection. Wiping back to front carries bowel germs forward.
Reference: Personal care: perineal care
When cleaning the tubing of an indwelling urinary catheter, in which direction does the nursing assistant wipe?
- From the drainage bag up the tube, toward the body
- Back and forth along the first few inches of the tube
- Down the tube, away from the urinary opening
- From the middle of the tube out to each end in turn
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C. Down the tube, away from the urinary opening
The aide holds the catheter near the opening so it does not pull, and cleans about four inches of tubing moving away from the body, so germs are carried away from the urinary opening. Wiping toward the body pushes germs in.
Reference: Personal care: catheter care