Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 111 SHAVING MALE PATIENT PURPOSE: Patients are assisted with shaving to remove unwanted beard, prevent skin irritation and increase morale. RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL: RN, LPN, HHA, OT, OTA EQUIPMENT: Safety razor or electric razor, towel and wash cloth, soap or shaving cream, after shave, mirror SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Encourage independence in this task since, for many, the loss of ability to shave themselves has great psychological impact. Adapt surroundings to provide for the patient’s safety and allow for privacy and independence. Some patients have strong preferences to certain razors, soaps, creams and lotions. These preferences should be accommodated if possible. ONLY AN ELECTRIC RAZOR SHOULD BE USED FOR PATIENTS RECEIVING ANTICOAGULANT THERAPY. PROCEDURE: 1. Wash your hands. 2. Check razor blade condition to be sure it is sharp, clean, even and free of rust. 3. Assist patient to comfortable position: a) Place conscious patient in high Fowler or semi-Fowler position, unless contraindicated. b) Elevate the head if patient is unconscious. 4. Direct light onto patient's face, but not into the eyes. 5. To shave with a safety razor: a) Fill wash basin with warm water. b) Drape warm towel around the shoulders, and tuck under patient's chin. c) Wet entire beard with warm water by letting warm washcloth soak the beard for at least 1 minute. d) Apply shaving cream or lathered soap to the beard. e) Pull the skin taut, but gently, with one hand, and shave patient's beard with your other hand, holding razor firmly and using short, firm downward strokes in the direction of hair growth. f) Rinse razor blade often to remove hair. g) Apply more warm water or shaving cream to patient's face as needed. h) Change water and rinse remaining shaving cream or lathered soap and hair from patient's face. Inspect surface for cuts/nicks. i) Pat patient's face dry. j) Apply after-shave lotion or talcum powder as patient desires. k) Remove, clean and store shaving equipment.