Orris

Perineal card procedure new

Reading File
Do you mean the perineal care procedure? Please clarify what “card” refers to, or send the exact term.

Perineal care

Finding Sources
Searching PubMed

"perineal care" AND nursing

Searching the Web

perineal care nursing procedure patient hygiene guidance

Perineal care procedure

Purpose: To keep the genital and anal area clean, prevent infection and skin breakdown, reduce odor, and promote comfort. Perineal care is especially needed after urination, bowel movements, menstruation, catheter leakage, or incontinence. The area is warm and moist, which promotes bacterial growth, so hygiene helps lower risks such as irritation and urinary infection (OpenStax nursing text).

Equipment

  • Gloves
  • Basin with warm water, mild soap or prescribed cleansing wipes
  • Washcloths or disposable wipes
  • Towel and waterproof pad
  • Clean linen/gown if required
  • Moisture-barrier cream if prescribed or indicated
  • Waste bag

General steps

  1. Verify the patient, explain the procedure, obtain consent, provide privacy, and perform hand hygiene.
  2. Gather equipment. Raise bed to a safe height and place a waterproof pad under the buttocks.
  3. Position the patient supine with knees flexed and hips slightly apart if possible. Drape appropriately and expose only the perineal area.
  4. Put on gloves. Use warm water and clean cloths or wipes.
  5. Clean from front to back and from the cleanest area to the dirtiest area. Use one wipe or a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke.
  6. Rinse away soap if used, then pat dry thoroughly, especially between skin folds.
  7. Apply prescribed barrier product to protect skin from moisture. Do not apply it inside the vagina, urethra, or rectum.
  8. Reposition comfortably, remove equipment, discard gloves, perform hand hygiene, and document skin condition and care provided.

Female perineal care

  1. Separate the labia gently with the nondominant hand.
  2. With the other hand, wipe:
    • From the urethral opening toward the vagina
    • Each labial fold, using a new wipe/stroke each time
    • The vaginal area from front to back
  3. Turn the patient to the side if assistance is needed to clean the anal area.
  4. Clean the buttocks and anus from vagina toward anus, never back toward the urethra.

Male perineal care

  1. Clean the penis from the tip outward, using a clean area of cloth for each stroke.
  2. If uncircumcised, gently retract the foreskin only as far as comfortable, clean the glans, rinse and dry, then return the foreskin to its normal position immediately. Not replacing it can cause swelling and constriction.
  3. Clean the shaft, scrotum, groin folds, and beneath the scrotum.
  4. Turn the patient to the side as needed, then clean the anal and buttock area from front to back.

Points to observe and report

Report pain, rash, skin tears, ulcers, redness that does not blanch, swelling, unusual discharge, foul odor, bleeding, genital lesions, or signs of infection. Hygiene care is also an opportunity to inspect the skin for pressure injury or other lesions (StatPearls review).
Key principle: Use gloves and clean front to back to avoid transferring fecal organisms to the urethral area.
This is a shared conversation. Sign in to Orris to start your own chat.