 The eyes, ears and nose require special attention for
cleansing during the patient’s bath. The nurse has the
responsibility of assisting patients’ in the care of eye
glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids etc. Important
points: Eyes, ears and nose are sensitive and therefore
extra care should be taken to avoid injury to these
tissues.

Care of eyes
 Assessment:
– Abnormal lesions
– Discharge
– Tearing
– Presence of any infection
– Use of Visual Aids (contacts, glasses)
• Ask when patient needs to use these devices

Care of eyes:
 Wash around the eyes with a warm moist washcloth
with warm water—NO SOAP!
• Clean from the inner canthus to the outer canthus of
the eye. Pay special attention to the inner canthus.

 Provide special care for the eyes of unconscious
patients.
– Use artificial tear solution or normal saline every
four hour, if blink reflex is absent.
– May need to tape the eye lids shut if unable to blink
and protect own eyes

Care of ears
• Usually requires minimal care
• Cleanse the external auricle with washcloth when
bathing
• Avoid insertion of objects into the ear

Care of Ear:
 Hearing Aids:
a. Check that the device is functioning correctly and
clean any body oils or cerumen from the hearing aid
routinely.
b. Make sure the hearing aid is off and volume is down
before insertion and off when not in use
c. Insert hearing aid in ear by pulling earlobe
downward while pressing the hearing aid inward
d. Turn on and adjust volume
e. Ask the patient if comfortable and can they hear!

Care of Nose:
• Nasolabial folds and outer parts of nose is cleaned with
warm sponge during bath
• Secretions can usually be removed from the nose by
having the patient blow into a soft tissue. But avoid
harsh blow.

Care of Nose:
• If patient is not able to do by themselves, the nurse will
assist using a NS moistened wash cloth or cotton
tipped applicator.
• If excessive secretions are present then do suctioning
• When NG tube/oxygen is being administered, clean
the nares every 8 hours.