HAND, FEET AND NAIL CARE

Definition
It is the care given to the patient to remove dirt from hand feet and nail in order to maintain
personal hygiene.

Purposes

 Examinations
 To promote relaxation and comfort
 To relieve fatigue
 To induce sleep
 To maintain good IPR(inter personal relationship)
 To maintain cleanliness

Indications

 Unconscious patient
 Preoperative
 Post-operative
 Neuropathies
 Impaired physical mobility

Procedure
Preparation of the articles

 Mackintosh-2
 Small basin-1
 Basin-1
 Soap-1
 Soap dish
 Small bowl
 Sponge cloth
 Bath towel
 Nail cutter
 Cotton swabs
 Cardiac table
 Paper bag or kidney tray
 Nail brushes
 Gloves
 Vaseline
 Lotion thermometer
 Jugs
Preparation of unit

 Adequate lighting
 Switch off the fan
 Provide privacy if needed

Preparation of patient

 Give psychological support

 Give comfortable position
 Tell the importance of the procedure

Preparation of nurse

 Preparation of nurses mind

 Do hand washing before the procedure
 Check doctors order for any restriction of movements etc.

Steps of procedure

Wash hands before the procedure (To prevent cross infection)

Mix the hot and cold water in the basin, till the basin and bowl are half filled and check the
temperature by using a lotion thermometer/back of the hand (The skin on the back of the hand is
sensitive and helps in assessing the temperature. Temperature should be 43-44 degree
centigrade.)

Identify the clients risk for foot and nail problems (To prevent further complications)

Explain the procedure to the patient (To gain the cooperation and confidence of the patient)

Place the mackintosh under the feet and keep the basin over the mackintosh and ask the patient
to keep his feet inside basin (To avoid the soiling of the floor or table.)
Keep the cardiac table over the bed and place the mackintosh over the table and keep the basin.
Patient to dip his fingers and hands inside the water (To prevent soiling and helps cleaning)

Allow the feet and hand to soak for 10-15 minutes (This help in easy cleaning and cutting of
nails)

Clean the hand gently with soap thoroughly. Clean the finger nails with nail brush (Helps in
removing the dirt)

Cut the finger nails in circular shape and trim the ends(Prevents injury to the patient and others)

Wipe the hands using a towel and apply lotion if needed(Wiping helps in drying of the hand and
applying lotion prevents dryness)

Clean gently the feet and by using a scrub, scrub the hand ends of the feet, apply soap in circular
motion (Scrubbing helps in removing the dry and dead skin)

Before cutting the toe nails keep a swab around it. (Keeping the cotton swab prevents spillage of
nails.)

Cut the nails to avoid injury while scratching

Apply lotion to the feet and wipe before applying lotion. (Applying lotion helps in prevention of
dryness.)

Assist the client back to the bed and provide comfortable position
 Wash hands (To prevent cross infection)

After care of the patient

 Ask the patient how are you feelingnow?

 Put on the fan if needed.
 Replace the patient’s personal belongings like ring, watch etc.

After care of unit

Change bed linen if needed

Open curtains and doors
Put on fan if needed

After care of articles

1. Mackintosh
Wash it with cold running water with soap and dry it in shade

2. Basin
Wash it with cold running water with soap and dry it in shade

3. Towel
Wash it with soap and water and dry it in sunlight

4. Nail cutter
Dip the nail cutter in savlon solution (1:20) and clean with running water

5. Replace the other articles soap, soap dish, cardiac table, nail brush etc.

6. Nail brush
Put the nail brush in savlon solution and clean it with cold running water and dry it.

7. Paper bag and Cotton swabs

Discard the cotton swabs and paper bags in dustbin

Recording and reporting

Recording and reporting has to be done in nurses notes
 Bibliography
1. Trained nurses association of India, “fundamentals of nursing a procedure manual”: first
edition-2005,Published by secretary-general Pg. no- 181-186
2. Annamma Jacob, Rekha R, Jadhav Sonali Trachand “clinical nursing procedures: the art
of nursing practice, second edition, Jaypee publication: 2011, pg.no 87-89
3. Potter.perry, “fundamentals of nursing, 7th edition, Elsevier publication. Pg. no-880-884