Positioning A Fracture Pan: Tips And Best Practices

A fracture pan is a type of bedpan that is used to assist in the toileting of bedridden individuals. It is designed to be easily slid under the patient and is much smaller than a standard bedpan. The fracture pan has one flat end for ease of use, particularly for patients with hip fractures, hip replacements, or lower extremity fractures. When positioning a fracture pan, the handle should be placed towards the foot of the bed, with the highest wall pointing towards the patient's feet and the lowest point under their buttocks.

Handle towards the foot of the bed

When using a fracture pan, the handle should be positioned towards the foot of the bed. This is the opposite of a standard bedpan, which is placed with the wider end aligned with the resident's buttocks.

Fracture pans are used when a person has a hip fracture, or has had hip replacement surgery. They are also used for those with spinal difficulties or limited mobility. This type of bedpan is much smaller and thinner than a standard bedpan, and can be slid under the patient more easily. The patient uses a fracture pan while in a semi-recumbent position. The highest wall of the pan is pointed towards the patient's feet, with the lowest point under their buttocks.

To use a fracture pan, first assemble the necessary materials, including the pan, a pad, toilet paper or cleansing towels, and gloves. Wash your hands, put on gloves, and assist the patient with removing any clothing from the area where the pan will go. Place the pan under the patient's buttocks, with your hand under the patient's lower back for support. If the patient cannot lift their buttocks off the bed, gently roll them onto their side and slide the pan under their buttocks. Tell the patient to hold on to the guardrails until the pan is in place.

Once the pan is in position, raise the head of the bed so that the patient is in a seated position, if possible. Leave the curtained area and wait to be summoned if the patient desires privacy. After the patient has finished, hand them toilet paper or moist disposable towels. If the patient is not capable of basic hygiene, the nurse must perform the task of cleaning the perineum after evacuation. Keep the patient on their side after removing the pan for wiping. Check the area for redness or skin breakage and follow nursing protocol for treatment.

Give the patient a moist towel or washrag to clean their hands, and a towel for drying. Lower the head of the bed and remove the bedpan and the pad from under the patient, supporting their back with your hand. Empty the contents of the pan and clean it with antibacterial soap. Then remove gloves and wash your hands.

Place the pan under the patient's buttocks

When placing a fracture pan under a patient, it is important to follow a specific procedure to ensure the comfort, safety and dignity of the patient. Here are some detailed instructions on how to place the pan under the patient's buttocks:

Firstly, ensure that you have assembled all the necessary materials, including the fracture pan, pad, toilet paper or cleansing towels, and gloves. The patient's privacy should be maintained by closing any curtains around the bed. Wash your hands and put on gloves. Assist the patient with removing any clothing from the area where the pan will be placed.

Next, place the pan under the patient's buttocks. If the patient can lift their hips, place your hand under their lower back for support. The end of the pan with the handle should be at the patient's feet, with the flat end towards the patient's head. If the patient cannot lift their hips or buttocks off the bed, gently roll them onto their side and slide the pan under their buttocks.

Once the pan is in position, raise the head of the bed to a semi-Fowler's position, if possible. This will help facilitate voiding or defecating. Leave the patient if they desire privacy and summon you when they are finished.

After the patient has finished, hand them toilet paper or moist disposable towels for cleaning. If the patient is unable to perform basic hygiene tasks, the nurse must clean the perineum after evacuation. Keep the patient on their side and check the area for any redness or skin breakage, following nursing protocol for treatment.

Finally, give the patient a moist towel to clean their hands, and a dry towel for drying. Lower the head of the bed and remove the pan and pad, supporting the patient's back with your hand. Empty and clean the pan with antibacterial soap, then remove your gloves and wash your hands.

It is important to note that for obese patients, a second nurse may be required to assist with rolling the patient and ensuring their comfort and safety.

The flat end should be at the back

When positioning a fracture pan, it is important to place the flat end towards the back, with the handle at the front, closest to the patient's feet. This is the correct way to position the pan to ensure the comfort and dignity of the patient. The flat end is designed to slide easily under the patient, usually those with hip fractures, hip replacements, or lower extremity fractures.

The fracture pan is a lot smaller than a standard bedpan and is designed to be slid under the patient with minimal movement required from the patient. The flat end is placed under the patient's buttocks, with the handle end pointing towards the foot of the bed. This positioning allows for ease of use and comfort for the patient, who may be in a semi-recumbent position.

The flat end of the fracture pan is designed to be thin and gradually tapers to a higher end. This design allows caregivers to slide the pan under the patient with ease and ensures the patient's comfort. The flat end is placed at the back, under the patient's buttocks, providing a stable base.

It is important to ensure the patient's privacy and dignity when using a fracture pan. This includes closing the curtains for privacy, addressing the patient by name, and introducing yourself. It is also crucial to ensure the patient is comfortable and supported during the process. This may include raising the head of the bed to a semi-Fowler's position, providing a pillow for support, and ensuring the patient can call for assistance when needed.

The correct positioning of the fracture pan, with the flat end at the back, ensures the patient's comfort and ease of use. It is important to follow the patient's needs and preferences, as well as any medical considerations, when positioning the pan.

Raise the patient's bed to a sitting position

To use a fracture bedpan, the patient's bed should be raised to a sitting position, also known as the Semi-Fowler's position. This position aids in defecation and urination by assuming a natural position for these bodily functions. It is important to ensure that the patient is not too close to the edge of the bed, as this could lead to a potential fall.

When using a fracture bedpan, the patient's privacy should be maintained, and any necessary supplies should be gathered beforehand, including the bedpan, pad, toilet paper or cleansing towels, and gloves. The healthcare provider should also put on gloves and assist the patient with removing any clothing from the area where the pan will be placed.

The fracture bedpan is designed to slide under the patient and is much smaller than a standard bedpan. The end with the handle should be placed towards the foot of the bed, with the flat end towards the patient's back. If the patient cannot lift their buttocks off the bed, they can be gently rolled to one side, and the pan can be slid under them.

Once the bedpan is in position, the patient should be raised to a sitting position if possible. After the patient has finished, the healthcare provider can hand them toilet paper or moist disposable towels for cleaning. The bed should then be lowered, and the bedpan and pad can be removed, supporting the patient's back with one hand.

Finally, the contents of the bedpan should be emptied, and the bedpan should be cleaned with antibacterial soap. Gloves should be removed, and hands should be washed thoroughly.

Use powder to help the pan slide easily

When assisting someone with using a bedpan, it is important to be emotionally sensitive and physically gentle. Before placing the bedpan, it is recommended to wash your hands and put on gloves. It is also important to respect the patient's privacy.

A fracture bedpan is designed to slide under the patient and is much smaller than a standard bedpan. It is four inches high on one end and gradually tapers to an inch on the other end.

To help the pan slide easily, a thin layer of powder, such as talcum powder, can be sprinkled over the edge of the bedpan. This will make it easier to slide the bedpan under the patient's buttocks. However, it is important to ensure that the patient does not have any bedsores, cuts, wounds, allergies, or sensitivities on their buttocks before using powder.

• Assemble the necessary materials, including the fracture bedpan, pad, toilet paper or cleansing towels, and gloves at the bedside.
• Close the curtains around the bed to ensure the patient's privacy.
• Wash your hands, put on gloves, and assist the patient in removing any clothing from the area where the pan will go.
• Sprinkle powder on the pan to facilitate easy sliding.
• Place the pan under the patient's buttocks, providing support by placing your hand under the patient's lower back. Ensure that the end with the handle is in the front and the flat end is towards the back.
• If the patient cannot lift their buttocks off the bed, gently roll them to one side and slide the pan under their buttocks. Instruct the patient to hold on to the guardrails until the pan is in place.
• Raise the head of the bed to bring the patient into a seated position, if possible.
• Leave the curtained area and wait to be summoned if the patient prefers privacy.
• Provide the patient with toilet paper or moist disposable towels. If the patient is unable to maintain basic hygiene, the nurse must clean the perineum after evacuation.
• Keep the patient on their side after removing the pan for wiping. Check the area for redness or skin breakage and follow the appropriate nursing protocol for treatment.
• Give the patient a moist towel or washrag to clean their hands and a towel for drying.
• Lower the head of the bed and remove the bedpan and pad from under the patient, supporting their back with your hand.
• Empty the contents of the pan and clean it with antibacterial soap.
• Finally, remove your gloves and wash your hands.

Frequently asked questions