(Adopted from LRMC Policy)

Policy: The chlorhexidine antiseptic body cleaning wash cloths will be used on all intensive care unit patients unless a patient declines or has any known sensitivities to ingredients.

Purpose: To reduce the risk of hospital associated infection by decreasing bacterial colonization that can cause skin infection.

Applicability: The antiseptic body cleaning wash cloths policy is applicable to all healthcare workers assigned to provide bedside bathing to patients in the medical facility.

Responsibility: It is the responsibility of the nursing managers to ensure that this policy is implemented correctly and consistently.

Exclusion: Avoid facial area, open wounds, and areas of 2nd or 3rd degree burned skin.

PROCEDURE

  1. When the patient arrives to the unit first bathe patient with soap/water add 30 cc of Hibiclens 4 % to the basin and bathe patient to remove all visible dirt.
  2. Bathing a patient with antiseptic body cleaning washcloths

Table 1. Wash cloth sequence