Component Task: Examination of The Head and Hair of a Psychiatric Patient

This is the act of inspecting a patient’s head and hair to identify any abnormalities. The inspection of head and hair is an essential part of physical assessment carried out on the psychiatric patient.

Aims

Identify any abnormality for possible treatment

Requirements

1.        A tray containing the following;

·         Comb(s)

·         Protective material

·         Examination gloves

·         Mirror

·         Receiver

·         Gauze pack

·         Gallipot

·         Rubber apron

2.      Screen

Steps

1.        Establish rapport (refer procedure)

2.      Explain procedure to patient

3.      Prepare tray and send to the bedside/appropriate place

4.      Put patient in a desired position

5.      Protect patient’s shoulders as well as bed and pillows (if in bed) with protective material

6.      Perform hand hygiene, put on rubber apron and don gloves

7.       Remove hair accessories if any

8.      Comb hair carefully to remove tangles

9.      Part hair into several sections and examine the scalp

10.    Start from top of head down to nape of neck

11.      Examine for any abnormalities (e.g. lice, dandruff, rashes, ringworm etc.)

12.    Repeat process taking special care to examine behind ears, nape of neck and along hair line

13.    Comb and style hair to suit patient

14.    Express appreciation to patient and direct him/her to the next activity

15.    Remove screen, clear tray, decontaminate used items and perform hand hygiene

16.    Document procedure, report any abnormalities and indicate patient’s level of co-operation in the nurses’ notes/patient’s folder