Body piercing: issues and challenges for nurses

To provide safe and effective care for patients with body piercings, nurses must become more knowledgeable about this increasingly common practice. Competent nursing care is more than simply noting the presence or absence of body piercings, but includes accurate assessment, cultural sensitivity, and related patient education. Body piercings can create treatment challenges during trauma or post-assault care. An increased awareness of the history of body piercing, the piercing process, care of piercings, (including related wound care), and issues related to patient education, can enhance comprehensive nursing care.