Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

Registered Mental Health Nursing (RMN)

SHAVING THE BEARD OF A PSYCHIATRIC PATIENT

This is the act of removing hair from the face of a patient using a shaving device (electronic/disposable).

Purpose

  • Give patient a well kempt appearance
  • Boost patient’s confidence
  • Enhance patient’s body image
  • Prevent infection
  • Identify facial abnormalities with ease

Equipment

  • A clean tray containing:
  • Shaving device (Electronic/Disposable)
  • Razor/Scissors
  • Soap in a dish
  • Alcohol rub
  • Cotton wool swabs
  • Sterile gauze
  • A jar of water
  • Gallipot
  • Receiver for used sharps/swabs
  • Protective material
  • Gloves
  • After-shave lotion/talcum powder
  • Antiseptic lotion
  • Screen

Procedure steps

  • Establish rapport (refer procedure)
  • Explain procedure to the patient
  • Determine the patient’s usual shaving routine
  • Gather the patient’s preferred equipment taking into consideration any potential hazards
  • Set and send tray to the bedside/appropriate place for the procedure
  • Provide privacy
  • Place patient in a sitting up position or lying position depending on the condition
  • Cover patient with protective clothing e.g. mackintosh and towel
  • Wear protective clothing and don gloves
  • Inspect the face for any abnormalities such as elevated moles, birthmarks, lesions etc.
  • Lather the face with shaving cream or soap according to patient’s preference
  • Use short strokes with shaving device (electronic/disposable) and shave in the direction of the hair growth
  • Start from the upper face and lip and extend to the neck
  • Instruct the patient to tilt his/her head to help shave folded or curved areas
  • Use the hand without the shaving device to pull the skin below the area being shaved
  • Rinse the shaving device after each stroke as appropriate
  • Rinse and dry the face when done
  • Apply the patient’s choice of after-shave lotion
  • Express appreciation to patient and direct him/her to the next activity
  • Clear the tray, disinfect used items and perform hand hygiene
  • Document procedure and any observations made in the nurses’ note/patient’s folder

References and further reading

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

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