Basic Nursing SkillsQuestion 86 of 200
Perineal care for a female resident is performed:
a.Back to front (rectum toward urethra), using a clean section of cloth for each stroke
b.In circular motions over the whole perineum, using one section of cloth throughout
c.Front to back, using the same washcloth section that was used on the legs
d.Front to back (urethra toward rectum) using a clean section of cloth for each stroke, to prevent fecal contamination of the urinary tract
Explanation
Female perineal care uses front-to-back strokes (clitoris/urethra → vagina → anus), changing to a clean section/cloth for each stroke, to prevent fecal organisms (E. coli) from entering the urethra and causing UTI. Back-to-front (a) directly promotes UTI; circular motions (b) and reused cloths (c) similarly spread contamination. UTI is a leading source of hospitalization in elders—proper technique is preventive care.
Law Reference: Fundamentals; perineal careThis topic, taught in full in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) guide. CNA — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 · 14-day refund →
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