Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

General Nursing (RGN)

CARE OF THE HANDS AND FEET

This is the act of maintaining cleanliness of the hands and feet of a patient while on admission. It is recommended that this procedure is performed after the bath of a patient/client. Nail care can also be given after soaking the hands or feet in a basin of warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften the nails.

Purpose

  • Keep hands and feet clean
  • Prevent skin injury and infections
  • Detect or examine abnormalities
  • Improve grooming
  • Promote self esteem

Indications

  • Routine personal hygiene and grooming
  • Patient unable to independently maintain hand and foot hygiene
  • Need for nail care
  • Assessment of the skin of the hands and feet
  • Prevention of skin problems associated with poor hygiene

Equipment

  • A trolley containing the following:
  • Top Shelf
  • Two bowls or basins
  • Nail clipper and file in a receiver
  • Soap in a dish
  • Nail brush
  • Sponge
  • Hand or bath towel
  • Mackintosh and dressing towel
  • Hand cream or lotion
  • Orange stick (toothpick)

Procedure steps

  • Establish rapport (Refer to steps)
  • Explain procedure to patient
  • Perform hand hygiene
  • Provide privacy and take trolley to bedside
  • Position patient in a desirable position
  • Inspect the skin of hands and feet for callous, swelling and any sores
  • Protect the bed with a mackintosh and dressing towel
  • Mix and allow patient to check the temperature of the water
  • Place bowl of warm water on the mackintosh and towel
  • Wet fingers in a bowl of warm water
  • Immerse feet in a bowl of water
  • Cut finger nails to the shape of finger tips using a pair of scissors or nail clipper
  • Cut toe nails across to prevent in-growing toe nails
  • Put all nail clippings into a receiver
  • Put hands into the bowl of warm water and scrub nails gently with nail brush
  • Use orange stick to remove debris
  • Wash hands thoroughly using soap and sponge
  • Alternatively put feet into the bowl of warm water and scrub nails gently with a nail brush
  • Use orange stick to remove debris
  • Wash feet thoroughly using soap and sponge
  • Change warm water and rinse the hands and feet alternatively
  • Dry hands and feet thoroughly
  • Apply hand cream or lotion to the hands and feet
  • Remove mackintosh and towel
  • Assist patient into a desirable position
  • Dispose off used items and decontaminate instruments
  • Perform hand hygiene
  • Document procedure and report findings (manual or electronic)

Precautions

  • Assess the skin for wounds, infection, swelling, poor circulation or other abnormalities before nail care
  • Use appropriate infection-prevention precautions
  • Avoid causing cuts or injury while trimming nails
  • Cut toenails across rather than deeply into the corners
  • Use extra caution in patients with diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation
  • Do not perform nail cutting when there is significant infection or tissue injury without appropriate clinical direction
  • Ensure the water temperature is safe and acceptable to the patient
  • Dispose of nail clippings and contaminated materials appropriately

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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