Manual of Policies and Procedures for Wade Nursing Registry

Caring for Nails and Feet

Material needed:

• Paper towel
• Wash basin
• Emesis basin
• Washcloth
• Small towel
• Emery board
• Bath mat
• Orangewood sticks
• Pumice stone
• Disposable gloves
• Hand lotion

Procedure:

1. Explain what your are going to do
2. Wash your hands
3. Obtain material listed above
4. Spread paper towel on work area. Arrange material on paper towel
5. Provide privacy (close door, pull curtains)
6. Help client into chair or to side of bed
7. Assist client to remove footwear, if appropriate
8. Put bath mat, towel, or newspaper under feet
9. Fill basin with warm water
10. Place basin on bath mat. Put on gloves. Help client put feet in basin
11. Allow feet to soak for 10 minutes. Add warm water if needed
12. Place table or ironing board in front of client at convenient height and close to the client. Cover table with hand towel or paper towels
13. Fill emesis basin with warm water. Put client's fingers in basin and soak for 2-3 minutes
14. Clean under fingernails with orangewood sticks. Dry fingers thoroughly and set basin aside
15. Shape fingernails with emery board or nail file. Push back cuticles gently with washcloth or orangewood stick. Apply hand lotion
16. Remove table
17. Remove one foot from basin. Smooth any calloused areas using washcloth or pumice stone. Dry foot and between toes completely. Repeat procedure for other foot. Apply lotion if desired
18. Remove gloves, if worn, and discard in paper bag
19. Help client to put footwear or help back to bed
20. Clean equipment and store in proper location. Discard disposable supplies
21. Place soiled towels in laundry container to be washed
22. Wash your hands
23. Record what you have done