When in the PICU, it is incredibly important that patient or personal care is provided to the child to improve their level of comfort, safety and wellbeing. Patient care is the act of providing hygiene care to areas such as the mouth, eyes, skin and hair. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to assist nursing staff to provide personal care to their child when they are well enough.
Skin
Staff will check for any changes to a child’s skin each shift and will aim to provide a wash each day if they are well enough to maintain good hygiene practice. As a parent or caregiver, you are encouraged to assist with washing, skin regimes and nappy changes. Staff will change the child’s position regularly to prevent any pressure injuries (red marks and broken skin) from occurring to their skin. Soap, body wash and linen are provided by the hospital.
Hair
Regular brushing and grooming of your child’s hair is encouraged. When appropriate, staff will aim to wash your child’s hair to maintain good hygiene. It is a good idea to brush your child’s hair and place it in a ponytail to prevent it from being caught on any equipment. Please ask for hair products if you do not have access to them.
Mouth & Eye Care
Mouth and eye care is incredibly important when your child is in intensive care. If your child is intubated and on a ventilator, staff will provide regularly eye care to keep the eyes moist and lubricated. Staff will brush your child’s teeth regularly throughout the day to keep them clean. Lip balm may also be provided to keep your child’s lips from becoming dry.
Pressure Area Care
In PICU there are special beds that have an air filled mattress to prevent pressure injuries from occurring when your child is in bed. These mattresses use air to shift the pressure around your child’s body. The mattress will make noises as it moves the air around the bed, this is very normal. Nursing staff will also adjust your child’s position to prevent pressure injuries from occurring. They may use pillows, blankets and your child’s toys to keep your child in a comfortable position.