Abstract

CARVAJAL CARRASCAL, Gloria  and  MONTENEGRO RAMIREZ, Juan David. Hygiene: basic care that promotes comfort in critically ill patients. Enferm. glob. [online]. 2015, vol.14, n.40, pp.340-350. ISSN 1695-6141.

Patients who are hospitalized in critical care settings require nursing care to meet their basic needs. These interventions are integrated as indicators of patient outcomes and quality of care in critical care units. Objective: To analyze the social relevance and disciplinary nature of hygiene, as basic nursing care required for critically ill patients. Method: A literature review and article selection from the ISI-Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Science Direct, Proquest, Ebsco, Medline, Ovid, and SciELO databases and other sources, such as unpublished documents and web pages. This review included 3 qualitative studies, 27 quantitative studies, 1 mixed study, 40 documentary works, and 4 editorials that were published by nursing professionals and health professionals in other areas. Results: The results were divided into the following 4 categories: basic nursing care in critical care settings, hygiene as basic care for critically ill patients, hygiene and comfort, and research recommendations. Clinical Relevance: It is essential that nursing professionals satisfy patients' hygiene needs and thus provide for their safety, comfort, and welfare. There is an opportunity during the delivery of nursing care for nursing professionals to communicate with patients, assess physical and psychological states, identify potential anxieties and fears, plan patient care, and provide individual attention.

Keywords : Hygiene; comfort; critical care; nursing.

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