The female nurse is caring for a male patient who is uncircumcised but not ambulatory and has full function of all extremities. The nurse is providing the patient with a partial bed bath. How should perineal care be performed for this patient?

Question

a. Should be postponed because it may cause embarrassment
b. Should be unnecessary because the patient is uncircumcised
c. Should be done by the patient
d. Should be done by the nurse

Answer 1

ANS: C
If a patient is able to perform perineal self-care, encourage this independence. Patients most in need of perineal care are those at greatest risk for acquiring an infection such as uncircumcised males; perineal care is necessary. Embarrassment should not cause the nurse to overlook the patient's hygiene needs. The nurse should provide this care only if the patient is unable to do so.