When providing perineal care to a female resident, in which direction should you cleanse?

Question

Accepted Answer

From front to back (urethra toward anus). Perineal care for females must always be done from front to back (urethra toward anus) to prevent spreading bacteria from the anal area to the urethra, which can cause urinary tract infections. This is a critical infection control principle. Circular motions and reverse direction increase infection risk.