Perineal Care

The purposes of this procedure are to provide cleanliness and comfort to the resident, to
prevent infections and skin irritation, and to observe the resident’s skin condition.
Preparation  :
1. Review the resident’s care plan to assess for any special needs of the resident.
2. Assemble the equipment and supplies as needed.
Equipment and Supplies :
The following equipment and supplies will be necessary when performing this procedure:
1. Wash basin;
2. Towels;
3. Washcloth;
4. Soap (or other authorized cleansing agent); and
5. Personal protective equipment (e.g., gowns, gloves, mask, etc., as needed).
Steps in the  Procedure
1. Explain procedure to resident and/or family.
2. Place the equipment on the bedside stand. Arrange the supplies so they can be easily
reached.
3. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly and apply gloves.
4. Fill the wash basin one-half (1/2) full of warm water. Place the wash basin on the
bedside stand within easy reach.
5. Fold the bedspread or blanket toward the foot of the bed.
6. Fold the sheet down to the lower part of the body. Cover the upper torso with a
sheet.
7. Raise the gown or lower the pajamas. Avoid unnecessary exposure of the resident’s
body.
8. Instruct the resident to bend his or her knees and put his or her feet flat on the
mattress. Assist as necessary.
9. For a female resident:
a. Wet wash cloth and apply soap or skin cleansing agent.
b. Wash perineal area, wiping from front to back.
(1) Separate labia and wash area downward from front to back. (Note: If the
resident has an indwelling catheter, gently wash the juncture of the tubing
from the urethra down the catheter about 3 inches. Gently rinse and dry
the area.) Inspect the area for any open areas, drainage and other
abnormalities.
(2) Continue to wash the perineum moving from inside outward to and
including thighs, alternating from side to side, and using downward
strokes.
(3) Rinse perineum thoroughly in same direction. (Note: If the resident has an
indwelling catheter, hold the tubing to one side and support the tubing
against the leg to avoid traction or unnecessary movement of the catheter.)
(4) Gently dry perineum.
c. Instruct or assist the resident to turn on her side with her top leg slightly bent, if
able.
d. Rinse wash cloth and apply soap or skin cleansing agent.
continues on next page
e. Wash the rectal area thoroughly, wiping from the base of the labia towards and
extending over the buttocks. Do not reuse the same washcloth or water to clean
the labia.
f. Rinse thoroughly using the same technique as described in “e” above.
g. Dry area thoroughly.
10. For a male resident:
a. Wet washcloth and apply soap or skin cleansing agent.
b. Wash perineal area starting with urethra and working outward. (Note: If the
resident has an indwelling catheter, gently wash the juncture of the tubing from
the urethra down the catheter about 3 inches. Gently rinse and dry the area.)
(1) Retract foreskin of the uncircumcised male.
(2) Wash and rinse urethral area using a circular motion.
(3) Continue to wash the perineal area including the penis, scrotum and inner
thighs.
c. Thoroughly rinse perineal area in same order, using fresh water and clean
washcloth. (Note: if the resident has an indwelling catheter, hold the tubing to
one side and support the tubing against the leg to avoid traction or unnecessary
movement of the catheter.)
d. Gently dry perineum following same sequence.
e. Reposition foreskin of uncircumcised male.
f. Instruct or assist the resident to turn on his side with his upper leg slightly bent,
if able.
g. Rinse washcloth and apply soap or skin cleansing agent.
h. Wash and rinse the rectal area thoroughly, including the area under the
scrotum, the anus, and the buttocks.
i. Dry area thoroughly.
11. Discard disposable items into designated containers.
12. Remove gloves and discard into designated container. Wash and dry your hands
thoroughly.
13. Reposition the bed covers. Make the resident comfortable.
14. Place the call light within easy reach of the resident.
15. Clean wash basin and return to designated storage area.
16. Clean the bedside stand.
17. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
18. If the resident desires, return the door and curtains to the open position and if
visitors are waiting, tell them that they may now enter the room.
Documentation :
The following information should be recorded in the resident’s medical record, if indicated:
1. The date and time that perineal care was given.
2. The name and title of the individual(s) giving the perineal care.
3. Any discharge, odor, bleeding, skin care problems or irritation, complaints of pain
or discomfort.
4. Any problems noted at the catheter-urethral junction during perineal care such as
drainage, redness, bleeding, irritation, crusting, or pain.
5. How the resident tolerated the procedure or any changes in the resident’s ability to
participate in the procedure.
6. If the resident refused the procedure, the reason(s) why and the intervention taken.
7. The signature and title of the person recording the data.
Reporting :
1. Notify the supervisor if the resident refuses the perineal care or of any
abnormalities.
2. Report other information in accordance with facility policy and professional
standards of practice.


"I get this article from the book "Perineal and Anal Sphincter Trauma: Diagnosis and Clinical Management by Abdul H Sultan, Ranee Thakar and Dee E. Fenner (Paperback - Dec 17, 2008) this article will teach you the proper way on how and why you must perform this even if your not in the nursing field..this is really amazing..hope you'l enjoy reading my post"