Placing A Bed Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

Bedpans are used by people who are unable to walk to the bathroom due to illness, injury, or surgery. They are also used by people in body casts or with hip fractures. It is important to be emotionally sensitive and physically gentle when assisting someone with using a bedpan. Before placing a bedpan, it is important to explain the procedure to the patient, wash your hands, put on gloves, and provide privacy. You should also protect the sheets with a pad or towel and warm the bedpan with hot water. When the patient is ready, they should lie on their back with bent knees and their feet flat on the mattress. The bedpan should be placed directly next to the patient's hips and then slid underneath their buttocks.

Explain the procedure to the patient

Explaining the Procedure to the Patient

When it comes to explaining the bedpan procedure to a patient, it is important to be patient, compassionate, and respectful. Begin by greeting the patient and explaining that you will be assisting them with using the bedpan. It is natural for patients to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, so it is crucial to be sensitive and gentle throughout the process. Assure the patient that you are an expert in this procedure and will make their experience as pleasant as possible.

Before starting, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly and put on disposable gloves. Maintaining good hand hygiene is essential for both your safety and the patient's well-being.

Inform the patient that you will be providing them with as much privacy as possible throughout the procedure. Close the door, draw the curtains, and ensure their legs are covered with a blanket or sheet until you are ready to position the bedpan.

If the patient has any questions or concerns about the procedure, encourage them to express them. It is important to make the patient feel comfortable and at ease. Explain each step as you go along, so they know what to expect.

Types of Bedpans

There are two main types of bedpans: regular and fracture. The regular bedpan is larger, while the fracture pan is smaller and almost completely flat on one end. The type of bedpan used depends on the patient's condition and comfort. For example, a fracture pan is often used for patients with hip fractures or lower extremity fractures.

Positioning the Bedpan

To position the bedpan correctly, first, instruct the patient to remove their bottom clothing. If they are wearing a gown, you can leave it on if it has an opening in the back; otherwise, lift it above their waist.

Next, ask the patient to lie on their back with bent knees and feet flat on the mattress. Lower the bed as far as possible to reduce the risk of injury. Place the clean bedpan directly next to the patient's hips on the side of the bed.

If the patient can lift their hips, ask them to do so, and provide gentle support by placing your hand under their lower back. If the patient cannot lift their hips, gently turn them onto their side, facing away from you, and then slide the bedpan directly next to their buttocks.

Make sure the curved edge of the bedpan is facing the patient's back. Once the bedpan is in position, assist the patient in rolling back onto their back and over the bedpan. Verify that the bedpan is securely positioned under the entire area of the buttocks.

Providing Comfort and Privacy

Throughout the procedure, respect the patient's privacy and dignity. Provide them with toilet paper, sanitary wipes, and a signal cord or bell to call for assistance when they are finished. Step away and give them time to use the bedpan privately.

Remember to communicate with the patient throughout the process, offering reassurance and guidance as needed. It is important to make the experience as comfortable and dignified as possible.

Wash hands, put on gloves, and provide privacy

Before placing a bedpan, it is important to ensure that you have washed your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap. Once you have finished, dry your hands and put on a pair of disposable gloves.

Providing the patient with as much privacy as possible is essential. Close the door and cover the windows with curtains. If the patient shares a room, ensure their privacy by drawing the curtain. Keep the patient's legs covered with a blanket or sheet until you are ready to position the bedpan.

Consent and Comfort

Before proceeding, it is important to explain the procedure to the patient. Show patience and compassion, as this can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing situation. Assure the patient that you know what to do and will make the experience as pleasant as possible. Explain everything to the patient beforehand to help calm them and reduce their fear and uncertainty.

Prepare the Bedpan

Before placing the bedpan, it is a good idea to warm it up. Fill the bedpan with very warm water, let it sit for a few minutes, then empty and dry the bedpan. If using a metal bedpan, ensure it is not too hot. You can also sprinkle the edge with talcum powder to make it easier to slide the bedpan under the patient. However, do not use powder if the patient has any open wounds.

Protect the sheets and warm the bedpan

Protecting the sheets and warming the bedpan are both important steps to take when placing a bedpan.

To protect the sheets, set a protective pad or towel beneath the patient. This will help to prevent the sheets from being soiled.

To warm the bedpan, fill it with very warm water and let it sit for several minutes. Then, empty the water and dry the bedpan. The warmth of the water will transfer to the bedpan, making it more comfortable for the patient to use. If the bedpan is made of metal, ensure that it is not too hot.

Position the bedpan and the patient

Positioning a bedpan requires a special technique, and it's essential to be emotionally sensitive and physically gentle with the patient at all times.

First, ensure the patient is covered with a sheet to maintain their privacy and dignity. Ask them to lie on their back with bent knees and feet flat on the mattress. If the patient can lift their hips, instruct them to do so, and support their lower back gently with one hand. With your other hand, place the curved edge of the bedpan under their buttocks, ensuring the wider part of the bedpan is towards the patient's head, and the narrow end towards their feet. Slide the bedpan into position, and ask the patient to ease down onto it. If the patient cannot lift their hips, gently turn them onto their side, with their buttocks facing you, and slide the bedpan directly next to their buttocks. Then, carefully roll them back onto their back and over the bedpan, holding the bedpan close to their body.

Once the bedpan is in position, raise the head of the bed to facilitate voiding or defecating. Ask the patient to spread their legs slightly so you can check the bedpan is securely in place. Provide them with toilet paper and let them know you will return in a few minutes, unless they ring for you sooner.

Verify the positioning and provide toilet paper

Verifying the Positioning and Providing Toilet Paper

Once the bedpan is in place, it is important to ensure that it is positioned securely beneath the patient's buttocks. Ask the patient to spread their legs slightly so that you can verify the placement. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the bedpan is properly positioned.

Provide the patient with toilet paper and let them know it is within reach. It is also helpful to offer sanitary wipes for their hands. Place a signal cord, bell, or similar device near the patient and instruct them to ring the signal when they are finished.

It is important to respect the patient's privacy during this time. Step away and give them some space, but let them know that you will be back to check in a few minutes. If the patient does not signal within 5 to 10 minutes, return to check on their progress and continue checking every few minutes.

Frequently asked questions