Which of the following is NOT listed as a purpose of baths?

• A. Diagnose disease
• B. Cleanse the skin
• C. Promote comfort
• D. Remove waste products

Answer: (A)

Baths in nursing care are focused on hygiene and comfort, with the goal of keeping the skin clean and healthy and helping the patient feel better. Cleansing the skin removes dirt, oils, and microorganisms, which supports skin integrity. Promoting comfort helps reduce anxiety, relax muscles, and improve overall well-being. Removing surface waste products like sweat and exudate during bathing further supports cleanliness and comfort. Diagnosing disease, however, requires evaluating signs, symptoms, history, and diagnostic tests—not performing a bath. A bath may reveal skin changes, but it does not establish a medical diagnosis.