5.15 Skills Checklist: Nail Care
NOTE: Nail care for clients with diabetes should be performed by a Registered Nurse (RN).
- Gather Supplies: Basin, warm water, soap, lotion, two washcloths, one towel, barrier, gloves, manicure stick, emery board, nail clipper, and linen bag or hamper
- Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:
- Knock on the resident’s door.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times.
- Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
- Provide for privacy.
- Explain the procedure to the resident.
- Procedure Steps:
- Put on gloves.
- Fill the basin with warm water and place it on a flat surface with a barrier underneath. Have the resident check the water temperature by placing their hand in the basin or putting a wet washcloth on the back of their hand.
- Have the resident perform hand hygiene with sanitizer.
- Immerse the client’s hands in warm water for 5 to 20 minutes.
- Place their hand on a barrier.
- Using a manicure stick, clean underneath each nail, wiping any debris on the barrier after each nail.
- If necessary, trim nails using a clipper. Sanitize the clipper prior to and after use.
- Using an emery board, file each nail from the outside of the nail towards the middle of the nail.
- Check each nail for snags and file until smooth.
- Rinse the hand in water, return to the barrier, and dry.
- Repeat the procedure for the second hand.
- Offer lotion. If applying lotion, wear gloves.
- Rub the lotion gently into the skin if requested.
- Wipe off any excess lotion with a dry towel.
- While wearing gloves, empty the equipment.
- Rinse the equipment.
- Dry the basin.
- Return the equipment to storage.
- Dispose of soiled linen in a designated laundry hamper.
- Remove the gloves, turning them inside out.
- Post-Procedure Steps:
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Check for resident comfort and ask if anything else is needed.
- Ensure the bed is low and locked. Check the brakes.
- Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the resident.
- Open the door and privacy curtain.
- Perform hand hygiene
- Document and report any skin or nail issues or changes noted with the resident.
View a YouTube video[1] of an instructor demonstrating nail care:
- Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Nail Care. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0. https://youtu.be/T32Csl2Rx0s ↵