pericare-is this right???

[sponge22]

I am doing clinical rotations at a long-term care facility (yes, I'm a student).

For pericare, the facility uses thick, papertowel like clothes and an odor neutralizer spray. What I am questioning is, when the staff gets the wipes wet for use, they lay the clothes directly onto the bottom of the sink, and let the water run over them. This practice concerns me because of the fact that the wipe lays in the sink. Doesn't this contaminate the wipe with whatever kind of junk is in the sink? Or am I just being judicious? Any ideas for better ways this can be done? Any comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

:) :)

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

What they are actually using water?

I dont think its a good idea to do this either... ours will do this too..turn on the hot water (takes a while to warm up) and walk away to do something else...

Maybe someone could remind them this in an infection control issue..

[deegale]

I agree, i call my cna's on this all the time. I tell them to use wash basins instead.

[donmomofnine]

That's one reason we use mostly premoistened wipes.

[germain]

I personally don't always think the basins are cleaner, and where I work not often available. I wet wash clothes and place them on a clean chux when one isn't available.

I hate premoistened towellettes for cleaning. They don't abosorb and are too flimsy, and stay out in the garbage whereas linins are more contained here. My opinion. :)

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

This practice concerns me because of the fact that the wipe lays in the sink. Doesn't this contaminate the wipe with whatever kind of junk is in the sink?

Yes. And you just reminded me of something else that bugs me too. PAT THE PERI DRY after it's cleaned.

Some of the aides I've worked with think it's enough to clean up and they don't dry. OWIE. 'Nuff said.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Yep some of the basins are pretty questionable. Just wondering..this practice of leaving wash clothes in the sink is sooo common, just how risky is it really? How many res have gotten an infection from a contaminated washcloth? I know I'm alway's preaching about this being an issue, but is it?

Premoistened wipes would never work at our facility..heck, we have a hard enough time getting the linen order! $$$$