Nail care

Nursing Students General Students

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I know that a nurse needs a doctor's order to clip a patient's nails. Can a nurse use a file on a patient's nails without an order?

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Specializes in Public Health.

As far as I know, yes. Even a CNA can

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Specializes in Hospice.

I think you need a doctor's order just to give a bath, so I would think you need one for any personal care. I'm going to ask my instructor that question!

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Specializes in Pain, critical care, administration, med.

Generally you can provide all basics without a order. Cutting nails is usually not a good idea for fear of cutting someone.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

You don't need an order to GIVE a bath... Clipping is not good practice due to cutting the person and risk of infection, DM pts are of the highest at risk.. Filing is ok and no order needed, depending on how "bad" they are, a podiatrist may be the best option

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