1 Foundations of Basic Care and Comfort Free Online FlashCards

What is basic care and comfort?

Everyday nursing actions that support a person’s physical well-being, dignity, function, and sense of security.

Why should comfort be assessed individually?

Comfort is individual. Ask what matters to the person instead of assuming what will help.

Which factors can shape a person's comfort?

Physical, emotional, social, cultural, spiritual, and environmental factors can all affect comfort.

How can a caregiver protect dignity and choice?

Explain care, ask permission, provide privacy, and involve the person in decisions.

What does promoting independence mean?

Offer the help needed while encouraging the person to do what they can, use an adaptive device, or direct the caregiver.

What should follow a comfort intervention?

Ask whether the intervention helped, then adjust care as needed. Comfort needs can change over time.

How should a comfort assessment begin?

Start with the person's own account, using open, respectful questions about what would help or what is making daily activities harder.

What is the difference between subjective and objective data?

Subjective data are what the person reports; objective data are what the caregiver observes or measures. Consider both.

How should pain be assessed?

When the person can communicate, their report is central. If they cannot, use appropriate behavioral assessment and clinical judgment.

What should a mobility assessment consider?

Assess the person's current ability to change position, transfer, or walk, along with needed assistance or equipment and concerns such as pain or fear of falling.

What should hygiene and skin assessment include?

Ask about usual routines and preferences, ability to bathe or groom, areas of discomfort, and visible skin changes.

What should an elimination assessment cover?

Assess usual bowel and bladder patterns, urgency or difficulty, privacy needs, and whether the person can reach and use the toilet.