Personal Hygiene : Care of Eyes, Ears and Nose

CARE OF EYES,EARS AND NOSE:

EYES

Normally no special care is required for the eyes because they are continually cleansed by tears, and the eyelids and the lashes prevent the entrance of foreign particles. a person needs only to remove any dried secretions that have collected on the inner canthus or the eyelashes.

Unconscious clients are at risk for eye injury because the blink reflex may be absent. In these clients, excessive drainage frequently collects along eyelid margins.

Special attentions are also needed for clients who have had eye surgery or an eye infection that can result in increased discharge or drainage. The nurse often assists clients in the care of eyeglasses, contact lenses, or artificial eyes.

EARS

Hygiene of the ears has implications for hearing acuity when wax or foreign substances collect in the external ear canal, and they interfere with sound conduction. Older adults are particularly susceptible to this problem.

The nurse should be sensitive to any behavioral cues that might indicate a hearing impairment. When caring for a client with the hearing aid the nurse instructs the client on proper cleansing and maintenance as well as communication techniques, that promote hearing the spoken words.

NOSE

The nose provides for the sense. It also controls the temperature and humidity of inhaled air. It also prevents entrance of foreign particles into the respiratory system.

The accumulation of encrusted secretions within the nose can impair olfactory sensation and breathing. Irritation of nasal mucosa can cause swelling leading to obstruction. Hygiene care of the nose is simple.

Clients who need special care

            Pateints with naso gastric tube feeding

            Patients with the endotracheal tubes