Bed Bathing of an adult Patient

Facilitator name:Maige Charles

Common terms Used in bathing a patient

• Bed bathing is a very useful opportunity for both the client and the nurse.
• The nurse can closely observe the client and establish friendly communication with him.
• The client can use this time to express his feelings or worried and perhaps ask questions and seek reassurance.
• If the client is able to wash himself he should be allowed to do as much as possible and be assisted where appropriate

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• Bed bathing: Giving a patient a bath while in bed

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Purpose for bathing a patient

• To provide body hygiene and comfort
• To relieve skin irritation and promote relaxation
• To encourage blood circulation
• To reduce body temperature in case of fever
• To promote self-esteem through improved physical appearance

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Procedure for Bed Bathing an Adult Client Assessment:

• Does the general condition of the client allow for the bath?
• Is the environment conducive for the procedure?
• Is the client ready for the procedure?
• How much can he do by himself in this procedure?

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Equipment:

Top shelf:

• Two basins dish two flannels
• two towels
• comb
• soap in a soap dish
• Vaseline or body lotion
• Pair of gloves

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Bottom Shelf:-

• Bed linen- sheets, blankets, pillow cases and draw sheets
• Draw Mackintosh
• Bucket for used water
• Linen bag for dirty linen
• Chair or stool at the foot of the bed

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Steps for bed bathing an adult client

• Inform the client about the procedure
• One nurse may wash the client but if he is helpless two nurses are required
• If the client is able to wash himself, put all required equipment within reach and screen the bed
• Leave him to wash himself and when he is through assist him with areas where he could not reach

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For the helpless client:-

• Bring the trolley to the client’s bedside
• Close the curtain or the door and screen the bed
• Loose the linen, remove the sheets and leave the client with one blanket
• Put clean linen on the chair and dirty ones in the linen bag
• Reduce pillows and leave the client with only one pillow under his head for comfort
• Put water in the basins and test temperature using your elbow (should be at body temperature)

• Place the draw Mackintosh and towel under the client’s head to protect the pillow and bottom sheet
• Ask the client if he likes soap on his face
• Wash his face, paying attention to the eyes and ears. Rinse well and dry
• Put towel under the client’s arm farther from you
• Wash with soap flannel, rinse and dry
• Wash the nearest arm in the same manner
• Wash chest and abdomen, paying attention to the umbilicus and under the breasts (in females)

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• Rinse and dry
• Cover the client and change water
• Expose the leg farthest from you, put towel under it, wash with soapy flannel, rinse and dry
• Proceed with the leg nearest to you in the same manner
• Turn the client to his side his back towards you, place towel on the bed surface to protect bottom sheet
• Wash the back from neck to buttocks, rinse and dry. Observe for any signs of pressure sores.

• Turn client on his back, put towel under his buttocks, wash the genital region, rinse and dry
• Remake the bed, changing the bed linen as necessary. Replace the pillows
• Apply body lotion
• Put on his bed wear
• Comb his hair and make him comfortable
• Thank the patient
• Clear equipment, remove screens and open windows
• Record and report any abnormalities observed

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Key Points

•  Use gloves for self protection if client has discharging lesions or is soiled with urine or stools
• Bathing is an excellent time to perform a complete skin assessment
• Bathing provides time to educate the client on basic and special hygienic needs

Evaluation

•  What equipments to be prepared for bathing a helpless client?
• What are the categories of bathing a patient?

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