Marianne Martinez
Bedpans are used to collect urine or faeces for patients who are bedridden or unable to easily get up and go to the bathroom due to injury, illness, infirmity, or profound fatigue. The process of positioning a bedpan can be intimidating for both the patient and caregiver, so it is important to be emotionally sensitive and physically gentle. It is also crucial to explain the procedure to the patient beforehand, maintain their dignity, and assure them that you know what to do. This will help calm the patient and reduce their fear and uncertainty. In this article, we will outline the steps for how to apply a bedpan to a patient, including preparing the bedpan, positioning the patient, and maintaining privacy and comfort.
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What You'll Learn
- Prepare the bedpan: fill with water, or use toilet paper or vegetable oil spray
- Prepare the patient: explain the procedure, maintain their dignity and assist with clothing
- Position the patient: lower the bed, ask them to lie on their back and bend their knees
- Slide the bedpan under the patient: instruct them to lift their hips, or roll them onto their side
- Remove the bedpan and assist the patient back into a comfortable position
Prepare the bedpan: fill with water, or use toilet paper or vegetable oil spray
When preparing a bedpan, there are several options to make the patient more comfortable and to simplify the cleanup process. Firstly, you can fill the bedpan with warm water and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, dump the water and dry the bedpan. The warmth retained in the bedpan will make the patient more comfortable. If you are using a metal bedpan, ensure that it is not too hot.
Another option is to fill the bedpan with just enough water to cover the bottom. This will make emptying and cleanup easier. Alternatively, you can place a few squares of toilet paper in the bottom of the bedpan or coat it with a little vegetable oil spray, but only if you are in a home setting.
Before positioning the bedpan, cover it with a towel and set it aside. You should also prepare a basin of warm water, soap, toilet paper, and sanitary cleansing cloths.
Once the patient is ready, place the prepared bedpan as close to the patient as possible, next to their hip, with the curved edge of the bedpan facing their back. If the patient can lift their hips, slide the bedpan under their buttocks and gently instruct them to ease down onto it. If the patient cannot raise their hips, gently roll them onto their side, being careful not to roll too far, and then place the bedpan against their hips and roll them onto it.
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Prepare the patient: explain the procedure, maintain their dignity and assist with clothing
Prepare the patient
Before you begin, it's important to prepare the patient physically and mentally. Explain the procedure to the patient beforehand, showing patience and compassion, as this can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing situation. Assure the patient that you know what you're doing and that you will make the experience as pleasant as possible.
If the patient is in a shared room, draw the curtain for privacy. If possible, lower the bed to reduce the risk of injury if the patient falls during the procedure.
Maintaining dignity
The use of a bedpan can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort for the patient, so it's important to maintain their dignity at all times. Explain what you're doing and how you will do it, preparing the patient for each step of the process. Keep the patient covered with a sheet or blanket as much as possible to allow for modesty. If the patient can perform any part of the procedure independently, step aside and offer help only if it's needed.
Assisting with clothing
Ask the patient to remove their lower-body clothing. If they need assistance, help them with this. If the patient is wearing a gown with an opening in the back, leave it on. If the gown has no opening, lift it above their waist. Pull the top sheet or blanket back at this time.
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Position the patient: lower the bed, ask them to lie on their back and bend their knees
Lowering the bed is an important safety precaution when preparing to position a patient on a bedpan. By lowering the bed, you reduce the risk of injury if the patient falls during the procedure. This is particularly important for patients who are prone to falls or have limited mobility.
Once the bed is lowered, ask the patient to lie on their back with their knees bent and their feet flat on the mattress. This position makes it easier for the patient to shift their hips and allows for better positioning of the bedpan. It is important to communicate with the patient throughout this process, explaining what you are doing and providing reassurance.
If the patient shares a room, ensure their privacy by drawing the curtain separating the beds. You can also maintain the patient's dignity by keeping their legs covered with a blanket or sheet until you are ready to position the bedpan.
Before placing the bedpan, instruct the patient to lift their hips slightly, if they are able to do so. This will make it easier to slide the bedpan under them. If the patient cannot lift their hips, you will need to gently roll them onto their side, being cautious not to roll them too far.
Positioning the patient correctly and providing support during this process is crucial. It ensures the patient's comfort and safety while using the bedpan and helps maintain their dignity.
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Slide the bedpan under the patient: instruct them to lift their hips, or roll them onto their side
Sliding the bedpan under the patient requires a gentle and sensitive approach. It is important to explain the procedure to the patient beforehand, maintaining their dignity and privacy throughout.
Firstly, lower the bed to reduce the risk of injury if the patient falls. Then, ask the patient to lie on their back with their knees bent and feet flat on the mattress. If the patient is unable to get into this position unaided, assist them. Place the bedpan as close to the patient as possible, with the curved edge facing the back, and instruct them to lift their hips. If the patient is unable to do this, gently roll them onto their side, being cautious not to roll them too far.
If the patient can lift their hips, slide the bedpan under their buttocks and gently instruct them to lower themselves down onto it. If they cannot raise their hips, place the bedpan against their hips and roll them onto the bedpan and back towards you. Ensure the patient's buttocks are firm against the bedpan and hold the bedpan with one hand and the hip with the other as you do this.
Once the patient is in position, give them toilet tissue if they are able to use it, and step away to allow for privacy. Help the patient with clean-up if necessary and be sure to provide hand wipes and hand sanitiser.
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Remove the bedpan and assist the patient back into a comfortable position
When the patient has finished using the bedpan, it is important to remove it and assist them back into a comfortable position. First, lower the head of the bed, especially if the patient cannot assist in raising their hips. If the patient can lift their hips, ask them to do so, and then carefully slide the bedpan out from under them. If the patient cannot lift their hips, gently roll them onto their side, being careful not to roll them too far, and then remove the bedpan. Work carefully and avoid sliding the bedpan against the patient's skin.
Once the bedpan is removed, help the patient to lie back down in a comfortable position. If they are lying on their side, gently roll them back, ensuring their buttocks are firm against the stretcher or mattress pad. If the patient is lying on their back, ask them to ease their buttocks back down onto the mattress and then lower their hips. You may need to assist the patient with cleaning if they are unable to do so themselves. Clean the patient's hands with a wet, soapy washcloth or sanitary wipes, and their bottom half with toilet paper. For female patients, wipe from front to back to reduce the risk of urinary tract infection.
Throughout the process, it is important to maintain the patient's dignity and privacy. Explain each step of the procedure to the patient beforehand to help prepare them and reduce any fear or uncertainty. If possible, leave the room to give the patient privacy while they are using the bedpan. Always remember to be physically gentle and emotionally sensitive when assisting someone with using a bedpan.
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