Component Task: Washing of Patient’s Hair in Bed

This is the process of maintaining the cleanliness of a patient’s hair by washing the hair with water and shampoo. This activity is mostly performed for patient who are bedridden and need assistance in the maintenance of their personal hygiene care.

Aims

·         Stimulate the circulation of the scalp

·         Remove bacteria, microorganisms, oils and dirt that clings to the hair

·         Promote sense of comfort and self esteem

Requirements

A trolley containing the following:

a.      Top shelf

·         Bowl

·         Two bath towel

·         Face towel

·         Cotton wool swabs in a gallipot

·         Shampoo and conditioner

·         Hair comb

·         Kidney dish

·         Hair pins where necessary

·         Hair pomade

b.      Bottom shelf

·         Two jugs containing hot and cold water

·         Long mackintosh and a bath blanket/big towel/linen

·         Clean linen if required

·         Hairdryer if available

·         Bucket for used water

Steps

1.        Establish rapport (Refer to steps)

2.      Explain procedure to patient (Refer to steps)

3.      Provide privacy

4.      Perform hand hygiene, prepare and send trolley to bedside

5.      Assist patient into a fowler’s position or lie flat in with the head extended to the edge of the bed (if condition permits)

6.      Arrange long mackintosh and a bath blanket/big towel/linen into a trough, fashioned under the patient’s shoulders, neck, head and extend it down into a bucket

7.       Cover mackintosh with a bath towel under the patient’s neck and around the shoulders

8.      Remove hair accessories, comb and remove tangles

9.      Pluck the ear with cotton wool balls

10.    Mix the water to the patient’s preferred temperature

11.      Wet hair and apply soap/shampoo

12.    Massage hair well, rinse and repeat till the hair is clean (a woman require more rinse water than a man)

13.    Wipe any moisture around eye, face and neck

14.    Squeeze hair gently and tie hair up in a towel

15.    Remove long mackintosh and a bath blanket/big towel/linen

16.    Assist patient into a sitting up position

17.    Dry thoroughly with a towel and a hand dryer

18.    Apply pomade, comb and style hair to patient’s liking

19.    Change linen if wet

20.  Put patient in a desirable position

21.    Dispose off used items and decontaminate trolley

22.  Perform hand hygiene

23.  Document procedure in nurses’ notes (manual or electronic) and report findings to appropriate officer