5.18 Skills Checklist: Perineal Care (Female)

  1. Gather Supplies: Basin, warm water, soap, four washcloths, one towel, barrier, gloves, and linen bag or hamper
  2. 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.
  3. Procedure Steps:
    • Raise one side rail of the bed after checking the resident’s mobility and their preferred side to lie on.
    • Put on gloves.
    • Raise the bed height if needed.
    • 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.
    • Turn the resident or raise their hips and place a barrier (a towel, waterproof soaker pad, disposable pad, etc.) under their buttocks.
    • Expose their perineum only.
    • Separate the labia.
    • Use water and a soapy washcloth.
    • Clean one side of the labia from top to bottom.
    • Using a clean portion of the first washcloth, clean the other side of the labia from top to bottom.
    • Using a clean portion of the first washcloth, clean the vaginal area from top to bottom.
    • Put the first washcloth in the linen bag.
    • Using the second clean washcloth, rinse one side of the labia from top to bottom.
    • Using a clean portion of the second washcloth, rinse the other side of the labia from top to bottom.
    • Using a clean portion of the second washcloth, rinse the vaginal area from top to bottom.
    • Put the second washcloth in the linen bag.
    • Avoid overexposure throughout the procedure.
    • Pat dry.
    • Cover the exposed area with the bath blanket.
    • Assist the resident to turn onto their side facing away from you and ask the resident to hold onto the raised side rail.
    • Using the third clean washcloth, apply water and soap.
    • Using a clean portion of the third washcloth, clean one side of the buttock, wiping away from vagina.
    • Using a clean portion of the third washcloth, clean the other side of the buttock, wiping away from the vagina.
    • Using a clean portion of the third washcloth, clean the rectal area wiping away from the vagina.
    • Put the third washcloth in the linen bag.
    • Using the fourth washcloth, rinse one side of the buttock wiping away from the vagina.
    • Using a clean portion of the fourth washcloth, rinse the other side of the buttock wiping away from the vagina.
    • Using a clean portion of the fourth washcloth, rinse the rectal area wiping away from vagina.
    • Put the fourth washcloth in the linen bag.
    • Pat dry.
    • Safely remove the waterproof pad from under the buttocks.
    • Remove the gloves, turning them inside out.
    • Perform hand hygiene.
    • Position the resident on her back.
    • Put on clean gloves.
    • Dispose of soiled linen in the designated laundry hamper.
    • Empty the equipment.
    • Rinse the equipment.
    • Dry the equipment.
    • Return the equipment to storage.
    • Remove the gloves, turning them inside out.
    • Dispose of the gloves in an appropriate container.
  4. 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 issues or changes noted with the resident.

      View a YouTube video[1] of an instructor demonstrating female perineal care:

       


  1. Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Perineal Care (Female). [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed underCC BY 4.0. https://youtu.be/6Xu2Sgk1y80

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