Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Preparation
• Part 2 of 3: Installing a bedpan
• Part 3 of 3: Removing the bedpan
• What do you need

Caring for bedridden patients who need a bedpan requires compassion and tact. The procedure itself looks intimidating, but if you do everything right, it is not difficult.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Preparation

1. 1 Explain the procedure to the patient. Greet the patient and explain that you are going to help him or her use the bedpan.
   • Reassure the patient that you know what to do and that you will do your best to ensure that the procedure does not cause discomfort.
   • By explaining everything to the patient in advance, you will calm him (her), relieving the fear of the unknown.
2. 2 Wash your hands and put on gloves. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. Then dry them and put on a pair of disposable gloves.
3. 3 Maintain confidentiality. Provide as much as possibleOincreased confidentiality throughout the entire procedure.
   • Close the door and cover the windows with curtains.
   • If the patient is not alone in the ward, draw the curtains separating his bed from the neighboring ones.
   • Cover the patient's legs with a blanket or sheet before proceeding with the installation of the bedpan.
4. 4 Protect the sheets. If possible, place a waterproof cloth on the sheets under the patient.
   • If you do not have a large enough piece of such tissue on hand, cover the sheets under the patient's buttocks with a large, clean bath towel.
5. 5 Warm up the bedpan. Fill the vessel with hot water, but not boiling water. Wait a few minutes, then drain and dry the bed vessel.
   • Heat will be transferred from the water to the vessel, warming it up. The patient will be much more comfortable if the bedpan is warm rather than cold.
6. 6 Powder the edges of the boat with talcum powder. Spread a thin layer of hygienic talcum powder over the edges of the bedpan.
   • Talc will make it easier to slide, and it will be easier for you to slide the boat under the patient.
   • Do this only if the patient does not have pressure sores or cuts in the buttocks. Do not use talcum powder if the patient has open wounds in the buttock area.
7. 7 Pour some water into the boat. The water should cover the bottom of the boat about 5-6 mm (about 1/4 inch).
   • Instead, you can line the bottom of the boat with several layers of toilet paper, or cover it with a thin layer of vegetable oil.
   • Any of these methods will facilitate further cleaning of the boat.
8. 8 Ask the patient to expose the lower torso. After all the preparations, ask the patient to remove the clothing from the lower half of the torso.
   • Help the patient if he or she cannot do it on their own.
   • If the patient is wearing a gown that swings open at the back, you can leave it on. If the robe does not open completely, it is necessary to raise it above the waist.
   • At the same time, move the sheet or blanket that covered the patient aside.

Part 2 of 3: Installing a bedpan

1. 1 Lower the hospital bed. Lower the bed as far as possible to reduce the risk of injury to the patient if he or she suddenly falls out of bed during the procedure.
   • The head of the bed should also be lowered as this will facilitate patient movement.
2. 2 Ask the patient to lie on their back. He (she) should lie on his back. It is necessary to bend your knees, placing your feet on the mattress.
3. 3 Move the bedpan towards the patient. Bring the clean boat to the side of the bed at the patient's thighs.
   • Bring the boat as close to the patient as possible before he / she starts to move, this will facilitate the procedure for him / her.
4. 4 Help the patient to move. It will require the patient to raise their hips. If the patient is unable to do this, ask him (her) to turn on one side.
   • If the patient can lift the hips:
     • Ask him (her) to raise his hips on the count of three.
     • Support the patient by placing your hands under his or her lower back. In this case, do not make significant efforts, you should only slightly support the patient.
   • In case the patient is unable to lift the hips:
     • Gently turn the patient to one side, facing away from you. Be careful not to roll onto the stomach or roll off the bed at all.
5. 5 Place a bedpan under the patient's buttocks. Slide the boat under the patient's buttocks so that the wider part of the opening is facing his (her) legs.
   • If the patient is able to lift the hips:
     • Slide the bedpan under the patient's buttocks and ask him or her to board the boat while helping and guiding the patient with his hands.
   • If the patient is unable to lift the hips:
     • Move the boat firmly against the patient's buttocks. In this case, the wide part of the hole should be directed towards his (her) legs.
     • Carefully turn the patient back onto their back, on top of the bedpan. While doing this, hold the boat so that it does not slip out from under the patient.
6. 6 Raise the head of the hospital bed. Gently raise the headboard to bring the patient's body into a more natural position.
7. 7 Make sure the boat is in the correct position. Ask the patient to spread their legs slightly to the sides to check that the bedpan is in the correct position.
   • You just need to make sure that the patient's buttocks are completely on the boat.
8. 8 Stock up on toilet paper. Position the toilet paper so that the patient can easily reach it. Show him or her exactly where the toilet paper is.
   • Sanitary napkins should also be taken so that the patient can dry their hands with them.
   • Place a signal cord, bell, or similar device near the patient. Show the patient how to use it at the end of the procedure.
9. 9 Exit. Leave the patient alone while using the boat. Let him or her know that you will be back in a few minutes and ask them to let you know via an alarm device if he or she completes the procedure earlier.
   • Not leave patient alone if unsafe.

Part 3 of 3: Removing the bedpan

1. 1 Wash your hands and put on new gloves. Leaving the patient alone, remove gloves and wash hands.
   • It will take a few minutes before you return to the patient. Take advantage of this time by washing your hands and wearing new disposable gloves.
2. 2 Come back without delay. Return to the patient as soon as you receive a signal from him or her.
   • Bring a bowl of warm water, soap, toilet paper, and sanitary napkins with you.
   • If you have not received a signal from the patient within 5 to 10 minutes, check if everything is in order. Keep checking every few minutes.
3. 3 Lower the head of the bed. Lower the head of the bed so as not to inconvenience the patient.
   • A lowered headboard will allow the patient to move off the boat more easily.
4. 4 Help the patient move away from the boat. If the patient has previously been able to lift the hips by himself and lie on the bedpan, he (she) will also be able to lift off it. If you turned the patient to one side at the beginning, you will have to help him when removing the vessel.
   • In case the patient can rise:
     • Ask the patient to bend the knees.
     • Ask the patient to lift the lower torso. Help him (her) by bringing your hands down and lightly supporting under the lower back.
   • If the patient is unable to rise:
     • Support the boat so that it is level on the bed.
     • Turn the patient to one side, facing away from you.
5. 5 Pull out the ship. Lift the boat out from under the patient and then allow him (her) to take a comfortable position.
   • Proceed with caution and avoid unnecessary damage to the patient by the vessel.
   • Cover the boat with a towel and set it aside for now.
6. 6 Clean the patient. Determine if the patient is able to cleanse himself. If not, you will have to help him (her).
   • Dry the patient's hands with a damp, soapy towel or sanitary napkin.
   • Wipe the patient's buttocks with toilet paper from the bottom up to reduce the risk of bacteria from the rectum entering the urinary tract.
7. 7 Clear the place. After cleaning the patient, remove the waterproof cloth or towel from the sheet.
   • If liquid or anything is spilled from the vessel, the patient's bedding, clothing and gown should be changed immediately.
   • If the room smells, you may need to spray it with air freshener.
8. 8 Return the patient to a comfortable position. Help the patient to return to a comfortable position for him or her.
   • Raise or lower the entire bed or headboard as needed, in a way that is most comfortable for the patient.
9. 9 Examine the contents of the vessel. Take the boat to the washroom and check the contents.
   • Look for anything unusual, such as red, black, or green patches, signs of mucus, or diarrhea.
   • Record your observations if necessary.
10. 10 Throw away the contents. Empty the bedpan into the toilet and flush the water.
11. 11 Clean or replace the boat. If the vessel is not disposable, it must be thoroughly cleaned.
    • Rinse the boat with cold water. Drain the water down the toilet.
    • Rinse the boat with soap and cold water using a toilet brush. Then rinse it with cold water by draining it down the toilet.
    • Dry the bedpan and place it in the storage area.
12. 12 Wash your hands. Remove gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap.
    • Hands should be washed for at least a minute.
    • After everything is cleaned, you can bring the ward into proper form by pulling the curtains between the beds and on the windows by opening the doors.

What do you need

• Bedpan
• Disposable gloves
• Water
• Soap
• Towels
• Sponge
• A bowl of warm water
• Sanitary napkins
• Toilet paper
• Talc
• Waterproof fabric
• Extra bedding, bathrobes and other items of clothing (if needed)
• Air freshener