Question

A nursing assistant should give nail care:

(A) Whenever she has time
(B) When she is bathing a resident
(C) When she notices a resident's nails are getting long
(D) When the resident's nail polish wears off

Answer 1

Nail care should be given by a nursing assistant when bathing a resident to maintain good hygiene. It is also essential to wash hands thoroughly before and after providing nail care and to use proper techniques to clean under the fingernails.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nursing assistant should give nail care when she is bathing a resident. This is considered a best practice because it ensures the resident's hygiene is maintained and it is often more convenient to perform this task when the resident is already being washed. During the bathing process, the skin and nails are softer, making it easier to clean finger nails safely.

It is critical to wash hands thoroughly before and after this process to prevent the spread of infection. To get the clean hands habit, apply about 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of liquid soap and rub it all over the hands for at least 20 seconds, ensuring to clean the most commonly missed areas, including between the fingers and under the fingernails. Utilizing a nail brush during handwashing can aid in removing debris and microorganisms from under the fingernails more effectively.