Bedpans are very useful in helping people who cannot easily get out of bed to evacuate and urinate, whether due to illness, injury, or poor physical condition. When helping someone to use a bedpan – whether professionally or to help a friend or relative – it is necessary to have physical delicacy and psychological tranquility when doing this. Although it seems to be complicated to put a bedpan at the beginning, just follow certain procedures to learn how to do the task without problems.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the procedure
Step 1. Explain the procedure
Greet the patient and explain that you will help them use the bedpan. Show patience and compassion as the situation can be embarrassing for the patient.
- Reassure the patient that you know what needs to be done, making the situation as light as possible.
- Explaining this to the patient beforehand can help them to calm down, reducing their fear and insecurity.
Step 2. Wash your hands and put on gloves
Clean your hands using hot soapy water; when finished, dry them and put on a pair of disposable gloves.
Step 3. Give the person privacy
Throughout the procedure, provide as much privacy as possible for the patient.
- Close the door and window blinds.
- If the patient shares the room with another person, pull the curtain that separates the beds.
- Keep the patient's legs covered with a sheet or blanket until ready to position the bedpan.
Step 4. Protect the sheets
If possible, cover the sheets under the person with a waterproof protector.
If you do not have access to this product, cover the sheets under the patient's buttocks using a large, clean bath towel
Step 5. Warm up the bedpan
Fill it with very hot water and let it sit for a few minutes. Throw it away and dry the bedpan.
- The heat from the water must be transferred to the bedpan, heating it. It is much more comfortable for a patient to wear a warm bedpan than a cold one.
- If it's made of metal, be careful not to get it too hot.
Step 6. Sprinkle some talcum powder on the edges
Pour a thin layer of talcum powder over the edges of the bedpan.
- The talcum bedpan will be easier to place under the person.
- Do this only if the patient does not have any cuts or bruises from lying down too much. Avoid talc if it has open lesions.
Step 7. Fill the bedpan with enough water to cover the entire bottom
Another option is to place squares of toilet paper on the bottom of it or coat it with a little vegetable oil spray if you are at home.
Any of these practices will make cleaning easier
Step 8. Ask the patient to remove clothing from the lower body
Now that all the material is on hand, ask the subject to remove clothing from the lower body.
- Help the patient if he cannot do this alone.
- If the person is wearing a hospital gown with an opening in the back, do not remove the clothing. If the robe doesn't open, you'll need to lift it just above her waist.
- Check to see if you can pull the top sheet or blanket back.
Part 2 of 3: Positioning the bedpan
Step 1. Lower the bed
Lower it as far as possible to reduce the risk of injury if the patient falls during the procedure.
The head of the bed should also be lowered, as it will be easier for the individual to lift their body or turn when necessary
Step 2. Direct the patient to lie down in the supine position
He should be on his back, knees bent and feet planted on the mattress.
Step 3. Place the bedpan beside the patient
Position it very close to his hips or on the side of the bed.
By placing it as close as possible before moving the patient, the chance of hurting the patient is less
Step 4. Help the patient to lift the central part of the body
It will be necessary for the individual to lift the hips; if he doesn't have the strength to do it, turn him to the side.
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If the patient is able to lift the hips:
- On three, tell him to lift his hips.
- Support the patient by placing your hand under his back. Avoid applying too much force and trying to lift it; the support must be lightweight.
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If the patient is unable to lift the hips:
Carefully turn the patient away from you. Take it easy, preventing the person from falling out of bed or turning over on their stomach
Step 5. Place the bedpan under the person's buttocks
Insert the bedpan under the patient's buttocks with the curved edge facing back.
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When the patient is able to lift the hips:
Place the bedpan under the patient's buttocks and tell him to slowly lower himself onto it. Use your hand to guide him
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When the patient is unable to lift the hips:
- Place the bedpan right next to the person's buttocks. The open tip should face towards the patient's feet.
- Carefully place the patient on their back and on the bedpan. Hold it close to the patient's body as you arrange it.
Step 6. Raise the headboard
Slowly raise the head of the bed, bringing the person's body into a more natural position to relieve itself.
Step 7. Observe placement
Ask the patient to open their legs a little to see if the bedpan is correctly positioned.
In general, it is necessary to leave the bedpan in a safe position and below the buttocks region
Step 8. Get toilet paper
Put toilet paper within reach of the person and let them know.
- In addition, give the patient moistened wipes to clean their hands.
- Place any device next to the patient – such as an alarm in hospitals or a bell in the home – that can be used to call nurses. It should be used when you are done with your physiological needs.
Step 9. Leave the room
Give the patient privacy while using the bedpan and say you will be back in five minutes. However, tell him to sound the alarm or use the bell to let him know that it's over.
Never leave the individual alone if there is danger of him falling.
Part 3 of 3: Removing the bedpan
Step 1. Wash your hands and put on new disposable gloves
Once you leave the room, take off your used gloves and wash your hands.
When it's time to return to the patient's room, wash your hands again and put on a clean pair of disposable gloves
Step 2. Go back to the bedroom
As soon as he sounds the alarm or uses the bell, go back to the bedroom.
- Bring a bowl of hot water, soap, toilet paper and baby wipes when you return.
- If the patient does not call you back within five to ten minutes, return to the room. Every two or three minutes, see if he's done.
Step 3. Lower the headboard
Lower the headboard as far as possible without making the patient uncomfortable.
This position is better for the person to get off the bedpan
Step 4. Help the patient off the bedpan
If he managed to position himself over the bedpan, it shouldn't be difficult to get off her; if you need to take it out of this position, you will need to turn it on its side.
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If the patient is able to stand up:
- Ask him to bend his knees.
- Instruct him to lift his lower body. Place your hand under your lower back for added support.
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If the patient is unable to stand up:
- Hold the bedpan firmly so that the contents do not leak.
- At the same time, place the individual on their side, facing away from you.
Step 5. Remove the bedpan
Remove the bedpan from position and let the patient rest.
- Be careful not to touch the bedpan against the person's skin during removal.
- Cover the bedpan with a towel and leave it aside for now.
Step 6. Clean the patient
Check if he managed to clean himself well; otherwise, help him.
- Get baby wipes or a soapy towel for him to wash his hands.
- Clean the patient's underside with toilet paper. Pass the paper from front to back, especially in women, as this lessens the chance of contaminating the urinary tract with bacteria from the rectum.
Step 7. Sanitize the bed
Once the anal area is clean, remove the towel or protective bed sheet.
- If droppings fall onto the bed, immediately change the patient's bedding or clothing if it too becomes soiled.
- When there is a strong odor in the room, spray some good air.
Step 8. Return the patient to a comfortable position
Help him get back to a good resting position.
If necessary, raise or lower the entire bed or headboard, making the person more comfortable
Step 9. Observe or note the excreted content
Take the bedpan to the bathroom and analyze the contents.
- Look for anything unusual, such as red, black, or green lines, as well as mucus or diarrhea.
- If necessary, measure and record the amount excreted.
Step 10. Discard the content
Pour urine or feces into the toilet and flush.
Step 11. Clean or replace the pan
Unless it's disposable, it's important to clean it thoroughly before putting it away.
- Discard the contents of the bedpan with cold water. Pour everything down the toilet.
- With a sanitary brush and cold water mixed with soap, scrub the bedpan. Rinse it with more cold water and dispose of it in the toilet.
- Dry and store it after you finish.
Step 12. Wash your hands
Remove gloves and wash your hands thoroughly using hot, soapy water.
- It is recommended to wash your hands for a full minute or even longer.
- Once everything is clean, open the curtains, windows and doors that were closed during the procedure.