Caring for Nails and Feet

Caring for Nails and Feet

Material needed:

Paper towel
Wash basin
Emesis basin
Washcloth
Small towel
Emery board
Bath mat
Orangewood sticks
Pumice stone
Disposable gloves
Hand lotion

Procedure:

Explain what your are going to do
Wash your hands
Obtain material listed above
Spread paper towel on work area. Arrange material on paper towel
Provide privacy (close door, pull curtains)
Help client into chair or to side of bed
Assist client to remove footwear, if appropriate
Put bath mat, towel, or newspaper under feet
Fill basin with warm water
Place basin on bath mat. Put on gloves. Help client put feet in basin
Allow feet to soak for 10 minutes. Add warm water if needed
Place table or ironing board in front of client at convenient height and close to the client. Cover table with hand towel or paper towels
Fill emesis basin with warm water. Put client's fingers in basin and soak for 2-3 minutes
Clean under fingernails with orangewood sticks. Dry fingers thoroughly and set basin aside
Shape fingernails with emery board or nail file. Push back cuticles gently with washcloth or orangewood stick. Apply hand lotion
Remove table
Remove one foot from basin. Smooth any calloused areas using washcloth or pumice stone. Dry foot and between toes completely. Repeat procedure for other foot. Apply lotion if desired
Remove gloves, if worn, and discard in paper bag
Help client to put footwear or help back to bed
Clean equipment and store in proper location. Discard disposable supplies
Place soiled towels in laundry container to be washed
Wash your hands
Record what you have done