SKIN PREPARATION 3. Ear Operation – shave 2 ½ inches around the ear.

Definition:
4. Neck Operation – anteriorly shave from the chin down to the nipple line. Laterally shave from
Skin preparation is the removal of as many bacteria as possible from the patient’s skin through the patient’s hairline to the sides of the neck including the shoulders and axilla. Posteriorly,
shaving, mechanical washing and chemical disinfection shave the hairline down to the level of the clavicle. (see figure)
5. Chest Operation – shave from the base of the neck to the waistline including the axilla and
Purpose: inner aspect of the arm. Posteriorly, shave from the shoulder line down to the waist
1. Reduce the number of microorganisms in the field of operation. extending 2 ½ beyond the spinal column. (see figure)
2. Prevent infection.
6. Abdominal and Pelvic Operations – shave from the nipple line down to the symphysis pubis,
vulva, perineum and the thighs 2 inches from the groin. Include the sides or flanks of the
Special Considerations:
patient. (see figure)
1. To determine the area to be shaved, know the operation to be done, the organ involved and
7. Kidney Operation – anteriorly shave from the nipple line down to the perineum from side to
its location and the proposed incision.
side posteriorly on the affected side, shave from the subscapular area down to the buttocks
2. Practice modesty and provide privacy.
and 2 inches beyond the spinal column. (see figure)
3. Ask the patient’s permission in cutting the eyelashes and hair.
4. Examine the area to be shaved for any signs of irritation or any abnormal conditions. Report 8. Vaginal, Scrotal, and Rectal Operations – shave the waistline to the perineum. Include the
this to your head nurse. anterior and inner aspects of the thighs 6 inches from the groin. Posteriorly, shave the entire
5. Do not cut the patient’s skin. buttocks. Pay particular attention to the hair between the folds of the buttocks ans anus. (see
6. In abdominal operations, pay particular attention to the umbilicus. figure)
7. Shave the operative site the day or the night before operation.
9. Lower Extremity – if the operation is in the distal portion, clean from the 2 inches above the
8. Discard soiled sponges in your kidney basin borrowed from the ward. knee, all around the extremity to the toes. If the operation is at the knee or little bit above or
9. In shaving, follow the direction of the growth of hair while the free hand exerts an opposite below it, clean the entire extremity from the groin to the toes. Pay attention to digital spaces.
(see figure)
force by pulling the skin to the opposite direction. This is done:
a. to make the shaving less painful 10. Upper Extremity – if operation is at the distal portion, clean from 2 inches above the elbow to
b. to shave off the hair thoroughly from the skin the fingers all around. If the operation is at the elbow or a little above or below it, shave from
10. If a wound is present on the area to be shaved, start from the clean area to the dirty area. the axilla to the fingers and all around the extremity. (see figure)

Equipment:
Shaving tray with the following:
1. Razor with blade
2. Container with dry cherries or sponges
3. Container with cherries in liquid soap
4. Pick-up forceps
5. (2) Kidney basins

Procedure:
1. Assemble all the articles and bring to the patient’s room.
2. Explain the procedure to the patient.
3. Provide privacy.
4. Place a rubber protector under the patient. Neck Operation Chest Operation
5. Expose the area to be shaved 6-8inches from the probable line of incision.
6. Using the pick-up forceps, get sponges saturated with liquid soap and make a thick lather on
the skin staring from the probable line of incision going to the periphery.
7. Shave the area.
8. Clean the area with wet sponges.
9. Saturate again the skin with liquid soap and continue on shaving until the area is completely
devoid of hair.
10. Dry with sponges.

Areas to be Prepared:
1. Eye Operation – cut the eyelashes of the affected eye. This is done in operating room. Use
small straight eye scissors (Steven’s). Clean with alcohol and apply Vaseline.
2. Nasal and Sinus Operation – no shaving is done unless the patient has moustache, with hairy
face or hairy nose. Abdominal and Pelvic Operations
Vaginal , Scrotal and Rectal Operation Lower Extremity