A practical learning device on giving a patient a complete bedbath

INTRODUCTION

Bed bathing is assisting a bedfast patient to maintain good personal hygiene. Patients who are convalescent, incontinent, immobile, unconscious and bed ridden needs to be bath everyday in order to: Ensures cleanliness of patients who cannot bathe themselves. Promotes circulation. Provides comfort. Maintains muscle tone and joint mobility through active and passive movement. Provides an opportunity for thorough assessment. A bed bath is a systematic step by step process that requires patience and energy. Usually, two nurses works harmoniously in bathing a patient on bed.

Objectives of the practical.

At the end of the practical, the student nurse should be able to:
Prepare the patient for the procedure; Collect and prepare the equipment; Carry out a bed bath.

Equipment
Trolley Apron Basin of warm water Soap Patients toiletries

Hospital towels Disposable cloth for face Disposable paper towel Patients brush/comb Nail scissors Clean night wear Clean bed linen Receptacle for soiled patient clothing Receptacle for soiled bed linen Receptacle for soiled disposables

A PRACTICAL LEARNING DEVICE ON GIVING A PATIENT A COMPLETE BEDBATH

DESCRIPTION TEACHERS ACTIVITY demonstrate how to assess a patient before bathing STUDENTS ACTIVITY Repeat and assess SUPPORT In a hospital DURATION 30 minutes

patients ability to perform ward his or her own care.

Stress on the importance of preparation before giving a bed bath Stress on the importance of information and privacy

Gather all supplies in room Practical before beginning. room using a trolley Provide privacy. In the practical room on a dummy

30 minutes

30 minutes

Preparation

Explain the importance of covering the patients to prevent cold Demonstrate the procedures of hand washing and wearing of gloves

Avoid chilling the patient.

On the dummy

10 minutes 5 minutes

Repeat the procedure of Hand washing and wearing of gloves when coming in contact with body fluids or handle a bedpan.

Practical room

Stress on the effects of allergy on the patient

Check to see if patient is allergic or sensitive to soap.

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2 minutes

Procedure

Tell them to: -promotes cooperation and decreases anxiety.

Discuss procedure with patient and ensure privacy

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3 minutes

-Organizes task and prevents unnecessary steps. -Reduces transmission of microorganisms. Reduces nurses back strain. -Testing temperature helps prevent accidental scalding. Procedure cont. - Provides access to patient, and reduces back strain of nurse. -Provides access to body parts; provides modesty and warmth.

Place all supplies within reach. Wash hands.

hospital

3 minutes

hospital

3 minutes

Position bed at comfortable height. Fill basin with warm water, and test temperature on wrist. Help patient to side of bed closest to you, and lower side rail. Remove patients clothes while providing warmth and privacy with a covering such as a bed blanket.

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3 minutes

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3 minutes

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3 minutes

Perspiration accumulates on the back of the neck when patients lie in bed for long periods. Include axillary area. Stimulates circulation. Dirt accumulates under fingernails, especially in incontinent patients Apply powder on chest if patient desires. This area stays moist on many females and can lead to skin excoriation. Moisture and debris can accumulate in skin folds leading to irritation.

Bathe ears and front and back of neck.

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3 minutes

Bathe upper body and extremities, stroking arms from wrist to shoulder. Soak hands in basin if indicated. Keep chest covered with towel and wash under breasts on female patients.

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3 minutes

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3 minutes

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3 minutes

Bathe abdomen using sideto-side strokes on skin folds.

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3 minutes

Prevents unnecessary exposure. Soaking will soften rough skin and facilitate cleaning toenails. Bath water may be cool or dirty.

Bathe legs and feet, being sure perineal area is draped. Soak feet in basin if indicated, and if patient is able to hold leg in position. Soak feet in basin if indicated, and if patient is able to hold leg in position.

hospital

3 minutes

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3 minutes

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3 minutes

Side-lying position gives access to patients back for backrub. Prevents cross contamination of organisms. Excess moisture contributes to skin breakdown. Promotes dignity and reduces exposure. Promotes patients body image. Provides safety.

Assist patient to side-lying position and wash back. Put on clean gloves and bathe perineal area.

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3 minutes

hospital

3 minutes

Remove gloves and assist patient to put on clean gown. Conduct other personal hygiene activities as needed. Lower bed, raise side rails, put call bell in reach, and dispose of used equipment and linen.

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3 minutes

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3 minutes

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3 minutes

Reduces transmission of microorganisms. Procedure cont.

Wash your hands.

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3 minutes

REFERENCES:
1. Gooch, J. (1987) Skin Hygiene. The Professional Nurse 2(5) February: 153-154. 2. Roper, N., Logan, W., Tierney, A. (1990) The elements of nursing. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, p202-218. 3. Roos, J. (1994) Care of hair, nails and feet. in Perry, A. G. and Potter, P. A. Clinical Nursing Skills and Techniques St Louis: Mosby. Ch.8 pp 150-163. 4. Smith-Temple, J. and Johnson, JY (2000) Rest and comfort. in Nurses' Guide to Clinical Procedures. 4th edn. Philadelphia, Lippincott. Ch.8 pp 454-458.