An unconscious male patient's beard has become soiled with blood and adhesive tape residue. What should the nurse do initially to maintain the patient's hygiene?

Question

a. Trim the beard to a short, manageable length.
b. Shampoo the beard at the bedside and comb out debris.
c. Determine if there are contraindications to trimming the beard.
d. Use baby powder to soak up debris; comb debris out.

Answer 1

C
The nurse ensures that trimming or removing the beard is acceptable to the patient's family be-cause several cultures forbid removal of facial hair. In addition, patients can spend years growing a beard and want to keep it. The patient is likely to become angry and dissatisfied when he rea-lizes that his beard is gone. Trim the beard only if permission is given. Shampooing the beard is impractical and likely to soak the bed and patient in the process. Baby powder is an ineffective method of cleaning hair.