Peri Cares

[jlenamae]

We are nursing students doing a Quality Assurance Project on peri cares. The facility we are doing our presentation to uses wash cloths with each brief change. Just curious what everyone's input on this is. Wash cloths vs peri wipes......any input would be appreciated! = )

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

You mean PERICARE?

I prefer something I can toss. If I used too many washcloths, I'm sure I would hear about our laundry bill

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

I like our peri-wipes.

A washcloth wil become soiled after one wipe - and then what? Reuse it? Rinse and re-use? Or use multiple wash cloths?

We have nice hot pack peri-wipes that protect the skin while cleaning it. One pack is usually enough unless its been a major code brown!

[conscientiousnurse]

With a washcloth, you wouldn't necessarily have to toss it with one wipe. We teach our student CNAs to fold the washcloth in fourths, so you fold back each portion and it gives 4 parts.

[PintheD]

With a washcloth, you wouldn't necessarily have to toss it with one wipe. We teach our student CNAs to fold the washcloth in fourths, so you fold back each portion and it gives 4 parts.

Why do you teach them this? In the real world I have never seen this done and we were taught the same nonsense in nursing school. I'm not going to waste time fiddling around with a poop filled washcloth - it's disgusting, unnecessary, and a colossal time waster.

I, too, like those hot pack peri wipes.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

I prefer peri wipes to washcloths. I find washcloths to be too abrasive, especially in patients with very red and irritated perineal areas. Peri wipes are more gentle. We have a perineal spray to help clean the area, too, and combined with peri wipes those are pretty effective.

[Flo., BSN, RN]

Peri wipes all the way.

[karamarie91]

Periwipes are soooo much better for peri care. Much less abrasive and if they're warm, they feel good for the patient.

At the nursing home I work at we only have towels and washclothes and it's annoying to have to fold them over and around just to get a clean part. Plus a heavy BM equals too many towels...ugh

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

some facilities use the term "cares" for all activities, as in, "patient refused his cares this morning." makes me crazy, and it's not standard english, but it looks like the facility or program or instructor the op works with uses that.

[LaterAlligator]

Looks like I'm in the minority, but I like washcloths better, unless the pt has very fragile or already broken down skin. I think the slightly rougher texture does a better job of actually getting them clean, and if someone has a lot of BM I'll first get them mostly clean with plain toilet paper THEN use a warm soapy washcloth, then one with just warm water to rinse them off. The wipes are usually not heated, can leave a funny after-film, and don't always give enough friction to get hairy people clean.

[babynurse618]

I feel that the wipes are easy for caregivers. Funny I have been talking to my caregivers about this very subject. I feel for good peri care that a washcloth needs to be used with either soap and water or peri wash. First off I have never worked at a facility where resident had warm wipes available except in a hospital setting. That is awesome if some facilities do. Next I do not feel that the wipes do the job well enough to remove all of the bacteria caused from being incontinent. Also resident who do have open areas that are not covered by dressings don't have to only use wipes. Nobody said you needed to scrub the skin off their poor bodys, DAB those areas with a clean washcloth. I feel that the wipes should be used for in between. I feel good peri care should be done upon getting up in the am and before bed in the pm. Use the washcloths in between. There is no reason to be lazy and cause an infection that just may cause you pt. to have more difficulties. I sure know if I didn't shower daily I would feel clean using those wipes. Forget about the laundry, these people deserve care and the laundry aides do get a paycheck. Always put yourself in the people you care fors place. I hope when I need care I work with those that don't just try to make the "job" of caring for me simple and fast. I know being a caregiver and nurse are busy jobs but take the time to genuinely care for those that need you. Preventative care is an important part of nursing.

[babynurse618]

In the real world those who do not get proper peri care end up with UTIs, yeast infections, etc. I strongly believe what I was taught in my care-giving classes and nursing school. I would not use wipes and not shower daily myself. Would you? Peri wipes are a wonderful product but washcloths should be used at least 1 time each shift.