Today our topic of discussion is Hair Combing.
Hair Combing
The hair can be combed and washed in the morning so that the patient can feel refreshed and appear well-groomed before starting daily activities (Fig. 13.3).
General Instructions
- Hair needs to be brushed daily in order to be healthy
- Long air should be combed at least once a day to prevent if from matting
- Teeth of the comb should be dull to prevent scratching of the scalp
- Hair must be kept free from snarls, combed and brushed without hurting the patient.
Preliminary Assessment
- Doctors order for specific precautions.
- General condition and self-care ability.
- Condition of the scalp and hair.
- Mental status to follow directions.
- Articles available in the unit.
Preparation of the Patient and Environment
- Explain the procedure
- Arrange the article at the bedside
- Provide privacy and adequate light
- Make the patient to sit on a bedside chair or stool
- Protect the bottom sheet and pillow case with a towel
- Protect the nurse’s uniform by wearing aprons.
Equipment
- Clean comb.
- Mackintosh and towel.
- Coconut oil in a container.
- Kidney tray and paper bag.
- Kidney tray with carbolic lotion 1:20 to destroy the lice and to disinfect the comb.
Procedure
- Wash hands and take required articles at bedside.
- If possible as patient to sit on a stool otherwise side lying or fowlers position .
- Place the Mackintosh under the head of the patient.
- Each half of the hair is treated separately without causing strain on the patient.
- Separate the hair in small strands.
- To prevent pulling hold strands above the part being combed, so that there will be no pain to the patient.
- Comb the tangle out from the ends first and then go up gradually.
- Use oil to remove tangles.
- After combing the hair thoroughly, use ribbon to tie the hair Discard loose hair into the paper bag.
After Care
- Place the patient comfortable and tidy
- Replace the articles to the utility room
- Wash hands thoroughly
- Record and report the procedure in nurse’s record sheet.
Problems of Neglected Hair Care
Neglected hair care cause sticky and heavy and acquires a sour, unpleasant odor, which may be quite distressing the patient. Pediculosis is associated with poor hygiene. crowded living condition and exposure to other individuals.
The people with pediculosis complaints of sever itching of the scalp and scratch the head continuously giving rise to abscess formation. The lice are blood suckers and cause anemia. They also spread disease, eg, typhus fever, relapsing fever, trench fever.
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