Bed Pan Capacity Explained

Bedpans are used by people who are bedridden or unable to walk to the bathroom due to illness, injury, or surgery. They come in two types: regular and fracture. The former is larger and looks like a combination of a toilet seat and bowl, while the latter is smaller and has one flat end, designed for people with hip fractures or replacements. Bedpans can be made of plastic or metal, with reusable and disposable options available. Reusable bedpans must be emptied, cleaned, and sanitised, while disposable ones are made of biodegradable materials and are discarded after a single use.

How to position a bedpan for someone who can raise their hips

To position a bedpan for someone who can raise their hips, follow these steps:

Preparing the Procedure

Explain the procedure to the patient, showing patience and compassion. Assure them that you know what you're doing and that you will make the experience as pleasant as possible. Wash your hands and put on gloves. Provide the patient with as much privacy as possible and keep their legs covered with a blanket or sheet. Protect the sheets by setting a protective pad or towel beneath the patient.

Warming the Bedpan

Warm the bedpan by filling it with very warm water, letting it sit, and then drying it off. This step is for the patient's comfort. Sprinkle the edge of the bedpan with talcum powder to make it easier to slide the bedpan under the patient. Do not do this if the patient has any open wounds.

Placing the Bedpan

Ask the patient to remove their bottoms and lie on their back with their knees bent and feet flat on the mattress. Place the bedpan directly next to the patient's hips on the side of the bed. Ask the patient to raise their hips and support them by placing your hand under their lower back. Slide the bedpan under the patient's buttocks with the curved edge of the bedpan facing the back. Raise the head of the bed, bringing the patient's body into a more natural toileting position. Ask the patient to spread their legs slightly to verify proper bedpan placement.

Removing the Bedpan

Provide the patient with toilet paper and step away to give them privacy. Wash your hands and put on new gloves. Return to the patient's side when they signal that they are finished. Lower the head of the bed and ask the patient to raise their hips. Remove the bedpan with your hand while supporting the patient's lower back with your other hand. Cover the bedpan with a towel and set it aside. Clean the patient with toilet paper and a wet washcloth or wet wipe. Remove the protective pad or towel and clean the area. Return the patient to a comfortable position.

Observing the Contents

Take the bedpan to the bathroom and check its contents for anything unusual. Measure and record the output if necessary. Dispose of the contents in the toilet and clean the bedpan thoroughly before storing it. Wash your hands.

How to position a bedpan for someone who cannot raise their hips

Bedpans are used as a receptacle for the urine and/or faeces of a person who is confined to a bed. They can be reusable or disposable. A person may need to use a bedpan because they cannot walk to the bathroom due to illness, injury, or surgery.

Preparing the Procedure

• Explain the procedure to the patient and assure them that you know what you are doing.
• Wash your hands and put on gloves.
• Provide the patient with as much privacy as possible.
• Protect the sheets by setting a protective pad or towel beneath the patient.
• Warm the bedpan by filling it with very warm water, then dumping the water out and drying the bedpan.
• Sprinkle the edge of the bedpan with talcum powder to make it easier to slide the bedpan under the patient. Do not do this if the patient has any open wounds.
• Fill the bedpan with just enough water to cover the bottom, or place a few squares of toilet paper or a little vegetable oil spray in the bottom of the bedpan.

Placing the Bedpan

• Lower the bed as far as possible to reduce the risk of injury.
• Instruct the patient to lie on their back with their knees bent and feet flat on the mattress.
• Place the bedpan directly next to the patient's hips on the side of the bed.
• Help the patient shift away from the bed by gently turning them to their side.
• Place the bedpan directly next to the patient's buttocks, keeping the open end pointing towards the patient's feet.
• Gently roll the patient back onto their back and over the bedpan, holding the bedpan close to the patient's body.
• Raise the head of the bed, bringing the patient's body into a more natural toileting position.
• Verify the positioning by asking the patient to spread their legs slightly.
• Provide the patient with toilet paper and a signal cord, bell, or similar device.
• Step away and give the patient privacy.

Removing the Bedpan

• Wash your hands and put on new gloves.
• Return to the patient's side as soon as they signal that they are finished.
• Lower the head of the bed.
• Remove the bedpan by gently rolling the patient onto their side and sliding the bedpan away.
• Clean the patient's hands and bottom half with a wet, soapy washcloth or sanitary wipes.
• Clean the area and remove the protective pad or towel.
• Return the patient to a comfortable position.
• Observe or record the contents of the bedpan.
• Dispose of the contents of the bedpan by emptying them into the toilet.
• Clean or replace the bedpan.
• Wash your hands.

How to clean a bedpan

Step 1: Put on the Right Clothing and Prepare the Area

Put on a short-sleeved gown and disposable gloves. Make sure you have a trolley or a flat surface with an underlay to place the bedpan on after use.

Step 2: Empty and Rinse the Bedpan

Empty the contents of the bedpan into a hopper. Rinse the bedpan with cold water.

Step 3: Disinfect the Bedpan

Place the bedpan in a disinfectant solution. Wash the inside and outside of the bedpan with warm, soapy water. Remove any stains using a cleanser. Rinse the bedpan with hot water.

Step 4: Dry and Store the Bedpan

Wipe the bedpan dry with a dusting cloth and hang it on a bedpan rack to store.

Additional Tips:

• Always disinfect your hands after handling a bedpan and before touching the patient.
• Do not put the bedpan down on the patient's bed, bedside table, or chair.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap after removing your gloves.
• If you are cleaning the bedpan by hand, ensure the water reaches a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit and soak the bedpan in the disinfectant solution for several minutes.
• For better infection control, consider using disposable bedpans or a washer disinfector machine.

How to clean the person after they've used the bedpan

Once the patient has finished using the bedpan, it is important to clean them properly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Gather your cleaning supplies

You will need a basin of warm water, soap, washcloths or wet wipes, and toilet paper. It is also helpful to have some sanitary wipes for the patient's hands.

Step 2: Prepare the patient

Gently roll the patient onto their side. This will make it easier to access their buttocks for cleaning.

Step 3: Clean the patient's buttocks

First, use toilet paper to wipe away any solid waste. For female patients, it is important to wipe from front to back to reduce the risk of contaminating the urinary tract with bacteria from the rectal area.

Next, use a wet washcloth or wet wipe to thoroughly clean the area. If needed, use soap and water for a deeper clean.

Finally, dry the area between the patient's legs.

Step 4: Check the skin for any issues

Inspect the skin for any redness, sores, or other abnormalities. If you notice anything concerning, be sure to inform the patient's healthcare provider.

Step 5: Provide the patient with a damp washcloth or wet wipe

This will allow them to clean their hands after using the bedpan.

Step 6: Empty and clean the bedpan

Take the bedpan to the bathroom and empty its contents into the toilet. Rinse and wash the bedpan using soap and water, followed by a disinfectant diluted with water. You can use a small sprayer attached to the toilet water supply for this step.

Finally, dry the bedpan or allow it to air dry before storing it away.

Remember to always wear gloves when handling the bedpan and be sure to wash your hands before and after providing care to the patient.

How to prevent bedpan-related constipation

Bedpans are used as a receptacle for the urine and/or faeces of a person who is confined to a bed. They can be either reusable or disposable. Reusable bedpans must be emptied, cleaned, and sanitised after each use, whereas disposable bedpans are made of recycled and/or biodegradable materials and are disposed of after a single use.

To prevent bedpan-related constipation, it is important to consider the patient's comfort and privacy. Here are some tips to prevent bedpan-related constipation:

• Ensure the patient has privacy by pulling curtains and, if in a semi-private room, asking any visiting family to leave the room. Bedpan use can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort, so it is crucial to maintain the patient's dignity at all times.
• Place the patient in a Semi-Fowler's position, which allows for anatomical support and facilitates ease of defecation or urination by assuming a natural position for these bodily functions.
• Provide a comfortable position for the patient by raising the head of the bed to a minimum of thirty degrees and positioning a pillow to support the lower lumbar area.
• Make sure the bedpan is adequately positioned so that the patient does not miss it and soil the linens.
• Offer a damp washcloth or wipes for the patient to cleanse their hands after using the bedpan.
• Encourage hand hygiene for both the patient and the healthcare provider to reduce the potential for infection.
• Document accurate intake and output on the patient's chart or electronic medical record.
• Ensure proper lighting and set bed alarms if required.
• Open any curtains that were closed, if this is in line with the patient's wishes and condition.
• Address any requests or preferences expressed by the patient or their family.
• Ensure the patient is not placed too close to the edge of the bed to prevent fall potential.
• Place the bed in a low, locked position and put the call light within reach.

By following these steps, you can help prevent bedpan-related constipation and promote the patient's comfort and dignity while using the bedpan.

Frequently asked questions