Fiona, a nursing assistant, is performing perineal care on a patient, Mrs. Smith. While giving her a bath, Fiona tells Mrs. Smith that she is going to wash her private areas next and that she should let Fiona know if she is uncomfortable. Fiona has all of her supplies together, and the water is warm. She uses the mitted washcloth, separates the labia, and cleans her from posterior to anterior. When finished, she pats the area dry. Which best describes the procedure Fiona follows?
Answer
A
She incorrectly introduced the procedure.
B
She should have washed her from anterior to posterior.
C
She should have let the area air dry.
D
She should have used hot water to kill any microorganisms.
Explanation
For perineal care, clean from anterior to posterior—front to back—to avoid moving microorganisms from the anal area toward the urinary opening. Fiona cleaned posterior to anterior, so the direction should have been reversed. Her warm water and patting the area dry are appropriate; hot water is not needed.
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