Nursing & Healthcare Programs

Perineal Care of the Male Resident

Written by Hollie Finders, RN
Hollie Finders is a registered nurse with years of experience working in the health care field. She has degrees in both biochemistry and nursing. After working with patients of all ages, Hollie now specializes in pediatric intensive care nursing. Hollie’s LinkedIn

Procedure

Equipment needed: gloves, washbasin, soap, washcloths, bath towel, waterproof pad, and bag for soiled laundry

  1. Perform hand hygiene and put on gloves.
  2. Explain the procedure to the patient and ask for his assistance in following directions. Provide privacy.
  3. Fill a basin with warm water. Ensure the water is a comfortable temperature.
  4. Raise the bed to a comfortable working height.
  5. Gently clean around the perineal area, including the inner thighs and the scrotum.
  6. Rinse the entire area with a clean washcloth. Pat dry with a bath towel.
  7. If the resident is uncircumcised, retract the foreskin to expose the tip of the penis.
  8. Using a circular motion, begin washing at the tip and work down and around the shaft of the penis until you reach the base. Use a clean section of the washcloth for each stroke.
  9. Rinse and dry the penis in the same pattern.
  10. If present, return the foreskin to its original position.
  11. Assist the resident onto his side to expose the buttocks.
  12. Wash the buttocks and the anal area. Rinse and pat dry.
  13. If needed, change the linens and/or place a clean waterproof pad underneath the patient.
  14. Assist the resident into a comfortable position and lower the bed.
  15. Place all used washcloths, towels, and linens into a bag for soiled laundry.
  16. Dispose of the water and clean the washbasin.
  17. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene.
  18. Document the procedure in the patient’s chart and report any changes in the patient’s condition to the nurse.

Important Information

Perineal care should be performed during a bath, after using the bedpan, and/or after incontinence. Special care should be used when performing perineal care on an uncircumcised male. Failure to retract and wash the area under the foreskin can result in infection. Failure to return the foreskin to its normal position can result in paraphimosis. This condition causes discomfort, swelling, and possible necrosis of the tip of the penis [1].

It is important to be respectful and professional when providing this care. Many patients find this procedure awkward and uncomfortable. If a patient is able to perform this care independently, then allow him to do so and provide him with privacy.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7755835

More Resources

Assisting the Resident to Sit on the Side of the Bed

Having the resident sit on the side of the bed is otherwise referred to as dangling. When a resident quickly changes position, especially from lying to sitting or standing, there can be a rapid drop in the resident’s blood pressure. This drop in blood pressure may cause dizziness or lightheadedness.

Performing Ostomy Care

Residents who have had a portion of their intestines removed due to illness or trauma may have a temporary or permanent ostomy, which is an opening in the abdomen that is created for the elimination of urine or feces. The portion of the intestine that is connected to the abdominal wall and is visible is called the stoma. A pouch is placed over the stoma to collect feces.

Axillary Temperature with Electronic Thermometer

Compared to other temperature measurement methods, the axillary measurement is considered the least reliable. An axillary temperature measurement typically reads 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit lower than an oral temperature reading [1]. For this reason, it is recommended to use this method only when other methods are contraindicated or when taking an axillary temperature is the safest method for the patient.

Dressing and Undressing a Patient

Patients who have suffered a stroke or have weakness or injury to one side of their body may struggle with dressing and undressing. In order to help these patients regain their strength and independence, it is important that the nurse’s aide only assist them as needed. The nurse’s aide may need to teach patients how to dress and undress safely with their limitations.

Measuring the Radial Pulse

The radial artery, located in the wrist, is easy to feel and an efficient location to measure heart rate. Changes to the rhythm or strength of the radial pulse can indicate heart disease, damage to the arm, or body fluid status. It is important to remember to check the radial pulse on both sides as differences between left and right can indicate injury or disease processes.

Oral Temperature Measurement with an Electronic Monitor

Body temperature is one of the vital signs frequently measured in healthcare settings. Changes in a body temperature can indicate improvement or worsening of a patient’s condition, so accurate measurement is important.