Assisting a man to shave

Authors: V.Rednenko 

Editor: V.Rednenko 

Equipment for the practical skill:

• Simulated patient (patient manikin)
• Hospital bed with bedding
• Over-bed table
• Towel
• Washcloths
• Gloves
• Paper towels
• Wash basin
• Bath thermometer
• Soap (optional)
• Aftershave lotion (optional)
• Safety razor:
  • Safety razor
  • Shaving cream, gel or soap
• Electric razor:
  • Electric razor
  • Pre-shave lotion

Clinical situation:

Patient N. is in the neurological department with acute cerebrovascular accident, he is assigned to the helping to shave. The patient is bedridden.  Carry out the prescribed procedure.

Order of the skill performance:

Preparatory stage:

• Introduce yourself
• Identify patient
• Obtain informed consent to the procedure (if the patient's condition allows it)
  • Give all the information to the person about what the procedure involves, including the benefits and risks, whether there are reasonable alternative, and what will happen without this procedure
  • Explain what you are going to do.
  • Ask the patient to consent to procedure.
  • Explain to the patient how he can help.
• Make sure you have the necessary equipment and put it on the over-bed table (the chair next to the bed)
• Sanitize your hands, put on gloves
• Prepare the patient bed:
• Raise the bed to a comfortable working height.
• Make sure the wheels on the bed are locked

Main stage:

• Cover the over-bed table with the paper towels and arrange your supplies. Fill the wash basin with warm water. Use the bath thermometer to verify that the water temperature is between 105° F and 115° F (40-45° C). Place the wash basin on the over-bed table.
• Position the person in high Fowler's position.
• Unfold the towel. Place it across the person’s chest.
• Put on the gloves.
• Inspect the area to be shaved for moles, birthmarks or sores.
• Assist the person in washing his face with soap (optional) and warm water. Remove soap, if used, with a wet washcloth.
• If the person is using a safety razor, assist him in applying shaving cream, gel or soap to his face. If the person is using an electric razor, assist him to apply pre-shave lotion.
• Assist the person with shaving, if needed. Shave one side of the face first and then the other.
• Safety razor:
  • With the fingers of one hand, hold the person’s skin on the cheek tight as you use the razor to shave downward, in the direction that the hair grows.

• • Shave both cheeks, rinsing the razor often in the washbasin. Use shorter strokes around the person’s chin and lips. To shave the neck, have the person tip his head back. Pull the skin tight and shave the neck, moving the razor up toward the chin.
• Electric razor:
  • With the fi ngers of one hand, hold the person’s skin tight as you use the razor to shave as the manufacturer suggests, usually in a circular motion.

• Use the wet washcloth to rinse the person’s face.
• Dry the person’s face with the towel, and place the towel in the linen hamper.
• Give the person a hand mirror so that he can inspect the shaved area.
• Assist the person to apply aftershave lotion (optional).
• Remove and dispose of your gloves.

Final stage:

• Ensure the person’s comfort and good body alignment.
• Adjust equipment for safety: Lower the bed to the level specified in the person’s care plan. Make sure the wheels on the bed are locked. Place the person’s method of calling for help within reach. Lower or raise the side rails according to the person’s care plan.
• Clean up your work area.
• Wash your hands.