The patient received a diagnosis of diabetes 12 years ago.When admitted,the patient is unkempt and is in need of a bath and foot care.When questioned about his hygiene habits,the patient tells the nurse that baths are taken once a week where he comes from,although he takes a sponge bath every other day.To provide ultimate care for this patient,what must the nurse understand?

Question

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Each patient has individual desires and preferences about when to bathe,shave,and perform hair care.However,they are not unchangeable.In addition,the nurse must assist the patient in developing new hygiene practices when indicated by an illness or condition.For example,the nurse will need to teach a patient with diabetes proper foot hygiene.Patients who appear unkempt often need further assessment regarding their ability to participate in daily hygiene.Patients with certain types of physical limitations or disabilities often lack the physical energy or dexterity,or both,to perform hygienic care.Culturally,maintaining cleanliness does not hold the same importance for some ethnic groups as it does for others.

The Patient Received a Diagnosis of Diabetes 12 Years Ago