CARE OF THE HANDS AND FEET

REQUIREMENTS #

1. A trolley containing the following:
   1. Top Shelf
      • Two bowels or basins
      • Two bowels or basins
      • Nail clipper and file in a receiver
      • Soap in a dish
      • Nail brush
      • Sponge
      • Hand or bath towel
      • Mackintosh and dressing towel
      • Hand cream or lotion
      • Orange stick (toothpick)
   2. Bottom Shelf
      • Two jugs containing hot and cold water
      • Bucket to receive used water
   3. Heart table
   4. Chair

STEPS #

1. Establish rapport (Refer to steps)
2. Explain procedure to patient
3. Perform hand hygiene
4. Provide privacy and take trolley to bedside
5. Position patient in a desirable position
6. Inspect the skin of hands and feet for callous, swelling and any sores
7. Protect the bed with a mackintosh and dressing towel
8. Mix and allow patient to check the temperature of the water
9. Place bowl of warm water on the mackintosh and towel
10. Wet fingers in a bowl of warm water
11. Immerse feet in a bowel of water
12. Cut fingernails to the shape of fingertips using a pair of scissors or nail clipper
13. Cut toenails across to prevent in-growing toe nails
14. Put all nail clippings into a receiver
15. Put hands into the bowl of warm water and scrub nails gently with nail brush
16. Use orange stick to remove debris
17. Wash hands thoroughly using soap and sponge
18. Alternatively put feet into the bowl of warm water and scrub nails gently with a nail brush
19. Use orange stick to remove debris
20. Wash feet thoroughly using soap and sponge
21. Change warm water and rinse the hands and feet alternatively
22. Dry hands and feet thoroughly
23. Apply hand cream or lotion to the hands and feet
24. Remove mackintosh and towel
25. Assist patient into a desirable position
26. Dispose off used items and decontaminate instruments
27. Perform hand hygiene
28. Document procedure and report findings (manual or electronic)