Definition
Providing a hair wash or bed shampoo is a vital nursing procedure that promotes hygiene, comfort, and dignity for patients who are bedridden or unable to access a shower. It also offers an opportunity to assess scalp health and boost the patient’s emotional well-being.
Purposes for hair wash
- To promote growth of hair.
- To prevent loss of hair.
- To prevent itching and infection.
- To prevent accumulation of dirt, dandruff, and oil.
- To prevent tangles.
- To stimulate circulation.
- To clean hair after pediculosis treatment.
- To enhance personal appearance and self-esteem.
- To observe the scalp.
- To provide a sense of well-being.
Contraindications for Hair wash
- Head and neck injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Surgeries on back and neck.
Articles
A tray containing:
- Bath towels (2 nos.).
- Wash cloth or face towel.
- Mackintosh (2 nos.).
- Non-absorbent cotton balls.
- Bath blanket/sheet.
- Oil (optional).
- Shampoo or liquid soap.
- Hair comb.
- Kidney tray.
- Basin.
- Bucket.
- Mug.
- Jugs (2 nos.).
- Low stool.
- Clean linen.
- Newspaper.
Procedure for hair wash
| NURSING ACTION | RATIONALE | |
| 1 | Before procedure Check the physician’s order for specific precautions, if any for movement and positioning of the patient. | Patient may be at risk for injury while manipulating the head. In some hospitals, a physician’s order is required for bed shampoo. |
| 2 | Assess the general condition of the patient, the scalp, hair, and the need for shampoo. | Determines the presence of any condition that may require the special shampoo or treatment. |
| 3 | Check the patient’s preference for soap/shampoo. | |
| 4 | Explain the procedure to the patient. | Relieves anxiety and helps the patient to cooperate. |
| 5 | Adjust the bed to comfortable height. | Use of good body mechanics prevents injury. |
| 6 | Close windows and put off the fan. | Prevents patients from going into hypothermia. |
| 7 | Pull the curtains. | Provide privacy for the patient. |
| 8 | During procedure Wash hands. Fanfold the top linen to the foot end of the bed leaving a sheet or bath blanket over the patient. | Prevents cross infection. A sheet or bath blanket prevents patient from chilling. |
| 9 | Make a trough with the mackintosh or use a Kelly’s pad if available. | Allows dirty water to flow into the bucket. |
| 10 | Unless contraindicated, move the patient’s head to the edge of the bed position the patient diagonally with head positioned inside trough. | Prevents over stretching and allows use of good body mechanics. |
| 11 | Place pillow under the shoulder so that the head is slightly tilted backward. | Prevents soiling of the bed. |
| 12 | Protect the pillow and bed with a mackintosh and towel. | Prevents soiling of bed and pillow. |
| 13 | Place the bucket on a low stool close to the side of bed. | Collects the dirty water. |
| 14 | Plug the ears with nonabsorbent cotton balls. | Prevents shampoo entering into the ears. |
| 15 | Place a washcloth or a towel over the eyes. | Prevents shampoo entering into the eyes. |
| 16 | Wash hands. | Prevents spread of microorganisms. |
| 17 | Loosen and remove tangles. | |
| 18 | Mix cold and hot water and test the temperature with the back of hand. | Warm water is comfortable and facilitates removal of dirt and sebum. |
| 19 | Start cleaning at hairline and working toward the back of the head symmetrically using shampoo. | Shampoo helps to remove dirt, sebum, and dandruff from the scalp. |
| 20 | Rub shampoo and massage the scalp well. | Rubbing and massaging of scalp adds to the comfort of the patient and effectiveness of shampoo. |
| 21 | Rinse thoroughly with water. | Removes soap and dirt. |
| 22 | Repeat washing and rinsing until hair is clean, squeeze off water from hair. | Prevents chilling. |
| 23 | Instruct patient to inform nurse, if any discomfort or pain occurs. | |
| 24 | Dry hair with second towel. | |
| 25 | Remove the trough and place it in the bucket. Discard the cotton plugs used to plug ears into the K-basin. | |
| 26 | Reposition the patient in proper alignment. | Enhances patient’s comfort. |
| 27 | Spread the hair over mackintosh and towel placed on the pillow and allow it to dry. | Enhances patient’s comfort. |
| 28 | Change linen if wet. | Enhances patient’s comfort. |
| 29 | Offer hot drink. | Enhances patient’s comfort. |
| 30 | After procedure Take all articles to the utility room and clean them. Disinfect the towels, mackintosh, basin, and bucket. Send soiled linen to laundry. Wash hands. | Reduces risk of transmission of microorganisms. |
| 31 | Return to bedside when the hair is dry. Comb and arrange the hair. Remove mackintosh and towel from the bed. Make the patient comfortable. | Improves self-esteem of patient. |
| 32 | Record the procedure and report any abnormalities, if present. | Ensures communication between staff members. |
Special Considerations
- Consider cultural, religious, and personal preferences of patients.
- Special precaution should be taken in positioning patient if central venous lines are patent.
- Assess for pediculosis and apply medication for pediculosis capitis as prescribed or as per hospital practice commonly used parasiticides:
- Carbolic lotion 1:40
- Anti-lice shampoo
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884.
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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