Tillie Doyle
Bedpans are used for patients who are confined to bed due to injury, illness, or surgery, and are unable to use a toilet. They are also used for patients who are immobile with concerns including fractures, profound fatigue, and obstetrical issues. Bedpans come in two sizes: regular and fracture. The fracture pan is smaller, with one flat end for ease of use with specific patient populations, such as those with hip fractures, hip replacements, or lower extremity fractures. When assisting a patient with a bedpan, it is important to be emotionally sensitive and physically gentle, as the situation can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for the patient.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To assist with bowel movements and urination for those who cannot easily use a bathroom due to illness, injury, or infirmity |
| Patient Comfort | Ensure the patient is comfortable and the bed is at a suitable height |
| Patient Privacy | Provide privacy by pulling curtains and giving the patient space |
| Patient Dignity | Be emotionally sensitive and compassionate to reduce fear and uncertainty |
| Patient Position | If the patient can lift their hips, raise the head of the bed at least 30 degrees; if not, lower the head of the bed and assist the patient in rolling to the side |
| Fracture Pan Positioning | Place the flatter end under the patient's buttocks with the handle toward the foot of the bed |
| Bedpan Removal | If the patient can lift their hips, ask them to do so and remove the bedpan; if not, assist the patient in rolling to the side and hold the bedpan firmly |
| Cleaning | Empty the contents of the bedpan into the toilet, then rinse and clean the bedpan with hot, soapy water |
| Hand Hygiene | Wash hands before and after assisting the patient, and change gloves as needed |
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What You'll Learn
Explain the procedure to the patient and offer reassurance
Bedpans are used to assist people who are confined to bed due to injury, illness, or infirmity. They are often a source of embarrassment and discomfort for patients, so it's important to explain the procedure beforehand and offer reassurance.
First, address the patient by their name and introduce yourself, including your title. Explain that you are going to help them use the bedpan and assure them that you know what to do. Show patience and compassion, and let them know that you will make the experience as pleasant as possible. Explain that bedpans are frequently used in hospitals and are necessary when using a traditional toilet is not an option. Reassure them that you will respect their privacy and maintain their dignity at all times.
Explain the steps of the procedure, including any preparation required, such as raising the bed to a comfortable height and ensuring the patient is pulled up as high as possible. If the patient can assist, instruct them to raise their hips and bend their knees while you slide the bedpan under them. Explain that you will provide assistance as needed and ensure their comfort throughout the process.
Reiterate that their privacy will be respected and that you will step away to give them time to use the bedpan. Let them know that you will return promptly after they signal for you and that you will bring any necessary items, such as a basin of warm water, soap, and toilet paper. Reassure them that they can take their time and signal for assistance at any point.
After the patient has finished using the bedpan, explain that you will help them get back into a comfortable position and assist with cleaning and perineal care as needed. Reassure them that you will handle the contents of the bedpan discreetly and dispose of them properly. Finally, offer any further reassurance by letting them know that they can ask for anything else they need, and that their comfort and privacy are your priorities.
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Position the patient and the bed
Positioning a patient on a fracture pan requires a special technique and is reserved for those confined to bed rest. It is important to be emotionally sensitive and physically gentle throughout the process.
Firstly, ensure the patient is pulled up as high as they can be on the bed. If the patient can assist with raising their hips, then raise the head of the bed at least thirty degrees. If the patient cannot assist with raising their hips, lower the head of the bed to place them on the fracture pan and when removing it.
Next, place a towel or disposable protective pad under the patient to protect the bed linens from accidental spills. Position the fracture pan with the flatter end under the patient's buttocks and the handle toward the foot of the bed. If the patient is able, they can bend their knees and lift their hips as you slide the fracture pan under them. You can assist the patient with raising their hips by placing one hand at the small of their back to help raise their buttocks.
Once the patient has finished using the fracture pan, put on clean gloves and remove it from under them. If the patient is unable to lift their hips, assist them to roll to the side facing away from you, ensuring you have a firm grasp on the fracture pan.
Finally, ensure the patient is comfortable and ask if anything else is needed. Check that the bed is low and locked, and perform hand hygiene.
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Prepare the fracture pan
Before placing a patient on a bedpan, it is important to gather all the supplies and prepare the fracture pan. This process should be handled with care and sensitivity, ensuring the patient's comfort and privacy are maintained. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing a fracture pan:
- Lower the bed: To prepare for placing the patient on the fracture pan, lower the head of the bed. This is especially important if the patient cannot assist in raising their hips.
- Address the patient: Address the patient by their name and introduce yourself, including your name and title. Ensure you have correctly identified the patient using two unique identifiers.
- Explain the procedure: Explain to the patient what is about to happen and determine if they have any requests or preferences based on their past experiences. Show patience and compassion, as this can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing situation. Assure them that you know what you are doing and aim to make the experience as pleasant as possible.
- Ensure privacy: Pull the curtains to ensure the patient's privacy. If in a semi-private room, consider asking any visiting family members or other patients to leave the room temporarily.
- Prepare the bed: Raise the bed to a comfortable height that ensures proper ergonomic principles are followed. This prevents potential back injuries for caregivers. Place a towel or a disposable protective pad under the patient as needed to protect the bed linens from accidental spills.
- Prepare the fracture pan: Position the fracture pan with the flatter end under the patient's buttocks and the handle toward the foot of the bed. Fracture pans have one flat end for ease of use with specific patient populations, such as those with hip fractures, hip replacements, or lower extremity fractures.
- Assist the patient: Help the patient remove their pants and undergarments if they are unable to do so independently.
- Optional: Use talcum powder: Check with your supervisor, but you may dust the bedpan with talcum powder to prevent the patient's skin from sticking to it. Ensure the patient does not have an allergy to the powder.
- Provide toilet paper: Make sure the patient has easy access to toilet paper.
- Wash hands and put on gloves: Perform hand hygiene and put on gloves. Follow any isolation precautions that require gowns or other personal protective equipment (PPE).
Once the fracture pan is prepared and the patient is ready, you can proceed with placing the patient on the pan and providing further assistance as needed. Remember to maintain the patient's dignity and privacy throughout the process.
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Provide the patient with privacy
Privacy is a fundamental aspect of ensuring patient comfort and dignity when using a fracture pan. Here are some detailed steps to provide the patient with privacy during the procedure:
Explain the Procedure:
Before beginning, explain the process to the patient to reduce their fear and uncertainty. Reassure them that everything will go smoothly and that their privacy will be respected.
Prepare the Patient:
Ask the patient to remove their bottoms and keep their legs covered with a sheet or blanket until the fracture pan is ready to be positioned. This simple act helps maintain the patient's privacy and comfort.
Close the Environment:
Provide physical privacy by closing the door and covering any windows or blinds. If the patient shares a room, ensure their privacy by drawing curtains or separators to create a private space.
Step Away:
Once the fracture pan is in place, step away and allow the patient to use it privately. Inform the patient that you will check on them in a few minutes, but instruct them to call for assistance if needed before then.
Maintain Discretion:
When returning to the patient's side, bring the necessary supplies, such as a basin of warm water, soap, toilet paper, and cleansing cloths. Respect the patient's privacy by knocking or asking permission before entering, and maintain a discreet and respectful demeanor throughout the process.
Clean and Discreet Removal:
Assist the patient in removing the fracture pan discreetly and efficiently. Communicate with the patient throughout the process, ensuring they feel comfortable and their privacy is maintained.
Remember, the key to providing patient privacy is communication, discretion, and creating a safe and comfortable environment.
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Dispose of the contents and clean the equipment
Once the patient has finished using the fracture pan, it is important to dispose of the contents and clean the equipment properly to maintain hygiene and prevent infections. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Dispose of the Contents:
- Gently remove the fracture pan from under the patient, being especially careful if the patient cannot assist in raising their hips.
- Dispose of the contents of the fracture pan into the toilet.
- If output measurement is required for medical reasons, empty the contents into a graduated cylinder first. Note the amount and characteristics such as colour, clarity, sediment, or unusual odour. Then, empty the contents from the graduated cylinder into the toilet.
- Rinse the graduated cylinder, if used, with water and pour the rinse water into the toilet as well.
- If there has been any spillage of the contents onto the bed or surrounding areas, clean the affected areas thoroughly.
Clean the Equipment:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly after disposing of the contents.
- Clean the fracture pan with hot, soapy water. Ensure that the fracture pan is rinsed and dried thoroughly before putting it away.
- Dispose of your gloves by turning them inside out and put on a new pair if you need to assist the patient further.
- Perform hand hygiene again, ensuring that your hands are washed and dried properly.
It is important to be emotionally sensitive and physically gentle throughout the process, as using a fracture pan can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing experience for the patient. Maintaining the patient's privacy and dignity is crucial.
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Frequently asked questions
A fracture pan is a smaller type of bedpan used for patients who have had a pelvic fracture, hip replacement, or lower extremity fracture.
If a patient has had a hip or lower extremity fracture, or is recovering from a hip replacement, they may need to use a fracture pan. The patient's diagnosis, comfort, and preference should be considered when choosing between a regular or fracture pan.
First, address the patient by name, introduce yourself, and explain the procedure. Pull the curtains to ensure privacy. Then, wash your hands, put on gloves, and follow any isolation precautions. Raise the bed to a comfortable height and ensure the patient is pulled up as high as possible. If the patient can assist, raise the head of the bed at least 30 degrees; otherwise, lower the head of the bed. Place a towel or disposable pad under the patient, assist with removing their pants and undergarments if needed, and position the fracture pan with the flatter end under the patient's buttocks and the handle toward the foot of the bed. If possible, ask the patient to bend their knees and lift their hips as you slide the pan into position.
First, if the patient is able, ask them to lift their hips as you remove the pan. If the patient cannot lift their hips, assist them to roll away from you while you hold onto the pan. Wash your hands and put on a new pair of gloves. Then, empty the contents of the pan into the toilet, rinse and clean the pan with hot soapy water, and put it away. Measure and document the output as required. Finally, perform hand hygiene again and check if the patient needs anything else.
Bedpans should only be used for a short duration as prolonged use can lead to pressure sores, ulcers, and neuropathy. Additionally, spillage of the contents is a common problem, so it is important to handle the pan with care.
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