BACK CARE- FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING

1. BACK CARE PROCEDURE
- KHYATI CHAUDHARI

2. Definition
Back care means cleaning and massaging back, paying special attention to
pressure points. Especially back massage provides comfort and relaxes the
client, thereby it facilitates the physical stimulation to the skin and the
emotional relaxation.

3. Purposes
1. To improve circulation to the back
2. To refresh the mode and feeling
3. To relieve from fatigue, pain and stress
4. To induce sleep
5. To prevent bedsore
6. To provide comfort

4. Articles required
1. Basin with warm water (2)
2. Bucket for waste water (1)
3. Gauze pieces (2)
4. Soap with soap dish (1)
5. Face towel (1)
6. Sponge cloth (2): 1 for with soap 1 for rinse
7. Big Towel (2): 1 for covering a mackintosh 1 for covering the body
8. Mackintosh (1)

5. 9. Oil/ Lotion/ Powder (1): according to skin condition and favor
10. Tray (1)
11. Trolley (1)
12. Screen (1)

6. Procedure
CARE ACTION RATIONALE
1. Perform hand hygiene To prevent spread of infection
2. Assemble all equipments required. Organization facilitates accurate skill
performance
3. Check the client's identification and
condition.
To assess sufficient condition on the client
4.Explain to the client about the purpose
and the procedure.
Providing information fosters cooperation

7. CARE ACTION RATIONALE
6.Close all windows and doors, and put the screen
or / and utilize the curtain if there is.
• To ensure that the room is warm.
• To maintain the privacy.
7. Placing the appropriate position:
1) Move the client near towards you.
2) Turn the client to her/ his side and put the
mackintosh covered by big towel under the
client's body.
• To make him/her more comfortable and provide
the care easily.
• Mackintosh can avoid the sheet from wetting.
8.Expose the client's back fully and observe it
whether if there are any abnormalities.
• To find any abnormalities soon is important to
that you prevent more complication and/ or
provide proper medication and/or as soon as
possible.
• If you find out some redness, heat or sores, you
cannot give any massage to that place.
• If the client has already some red sore or broken
down area, you need to report to the senior staff
and /or doctor

8. CARE ACTION RATIONALE
9. Lather soap by sponge towel. Wipe with
soap and rinse with plain warm water.
• To make clean the back before we give
massage with oil/ lotion/ powder.
10. Put some lotion or oil into your palm.
Apply the oil or the lotion and massage at
least 3-5 minutes by placing the palms:
1) from sacral region to neck
2) from upper shoulder to the lowest parts of
buttocks
• Don’t apply oil or lotion directly to the back
skin.
• Too much apply may bring irritation and
discomfort
1. Help for the client to put on the clothes and
return the client to comfortable position.
• To provide for warmth and comfort

9. MOVEMENTS USED
1. Effleurage (stroking) —is a long sweeping movement with palm of hand
conforming to the contour of the surface treated, over small surface (on the
neck) the thumb and fingers are used. Strokes should be slow, rhythmical and
gentle with pressure constant and in the direction of venous stream.
2. Kneading—performed with the ulnar side palm resting on the surface and
the fingers, and thumb grasping the skin and subcutaneous tissues which
move with the hand of the operator.
3. Friction—is performed with the whole palmar surface of the hand or fingers
and thumbs over limited areas. This movement is a circular form of kneading
with pressure against the underlying part of tissue which cannot be grasped.

11. AFTER PROCEDURE
CARE ACTION RATIONALE
Replace all equipments in proper place • To prepare for the next procedure
Perform hand hygiene. • To prevent the spread of infection
Document on the chart with your
signature, including date, time and the
skin condition. Report any findings to
senior staff.
• Documentation provides coordination
of care Giving signature maintains
professional accountability