Unit 24

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Unit 24

Patient Bathing


Objectives

• Spell and define terms.• Describe the safety precautions for

patient bathing.• List the purposes of bathing patients.• State the value of whirlpool baths.


Introduction

• A daily bath is as important for the patient as it is for you

• Following a bath, a patient feels relaxed, clean, and refreshed


Waterless Bath

• Waterless bathing– Some facilities are taking this new

approach to bathing – It may also be called basinless bathing or

bag bath


Whirlpool Bath

• The most stimulating form of bathing for patients– Therapeutic bath given in a whirlpool tub


Whirlpool Bath

• The whirlpool – Has a specific procedure for disinfecting

the tub – This ensures the disinfectant circulates

through the internal jets • Know and follow your facility

procedures carefully


Whirlpool Bath

• The whirlpool can act as a fomite and spread pathogens to many individuals


Patient Bathing

• Nursing assistants are frequently assigned to bathe patients

• It is important to follow the guidelines and procedures for bathing carefully to ensure patient comfort and safety


Patient Bathing

• In most facilities– The patient should not be left alone in the

bathtub– Know and follow your facility policies for

tub baths


Dignity and Modesty

• Keep the patient warm during bathing• Drape the patient with a bath blanket

– As appropriate before, during, and after bathing procedure


Dignity and Modesty

• This is an important dignity issue that should not be forgotten

• When a shower chair is used:– Cover the patient’s perineum with a towel

during the tub bath, whirlpool bath, and shower


Cultural Beliefs• Affect patients’ bathing preferences• Always show respect for patients’:

– Cultural beliefs– Privacy concerns regarding touching the body– Gender difference– Personal hygiene and peri care after toileting– Keeping the body covered– Wearing clothing with religious significance


Cultural Beliefs

• Learn about accepted ways to show respect

• Work on building a relationship of trust with each patient


Safety Measures for Special Treatments

• Patients receiving special treatments can be bathed– Patient receiving an IV– Patient who has drainage tubes– Patient who is receiving oxygen


Safety Measures for Special Treatments

• Patients with casts may shower if the cast is covered with a plastic bag

• These patients, however, need special care

• Follow the care plan and nurse’s instructions


Perineal Care

• Perineum – Area between the legs– In females

• Area between vagina and anus– In males

• Area between scrotum and anus


Perineal Care

• Perineal care – To wash the area including genitals and

anus


Infection Control Issues

• When using liquid soap from a wall dispenser:– Dispense soap into a small cup and carry it

to the bedside– Pour the liquid soap onto the washcloth as

needed



• If refillable liquid soap bottles are used:– Each patient should have a bottle labeled

with his or her name– Soap is used for that patient only

• Once a towel has been used below the waist:– Avoid using it above the waist



• Hang the hand held shower spray on the hook when not in use

• Do not let it hang down or touch the floor– Which is always considered dirty


Bathing Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

• Bathing is often upsetting for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias

• Signs of distress are:– Increased motor activity– Change in tone of voice– Screaming or fighting



• Patient may perceive being disrobed and having the body handled as a form of sexual assault

• Patient's behavior – Reveals no tolerance for methods being

used for bathing and/or hygiene



• He or she is using the only means available to ask you to find another, less traumatic way of doing it.

• Consider a bag bath, towel bath, or partial bath

• Bathing should never be traumatic • Be flexible and considerate


Towel Bath

• Used for patients with dementia who are distressed by a tub or shower bath


Towel Bath

• Bathing environment should be considered:– Darkening the room slightly may be helpful– Play soothing music– Use products with a pleasant aroma on the

patient and in the environment


Towel Bath

• Goal for this bath is to keep the patient clean and odor free– While avoiding a situation that is potentially

upsetting to the patient • Respect the patient’s autonomy


Towel Bath

• Use a variety of techniques to personalize the bath to make it as pleasant as possible

• Type of bath is more creative than other baths– But is not more work, and does not take

more time


Towel Bath

• Bathe patient with a kit prepared for this purpose, using:– No-rinse skin cleanser– 2 washcloths– 2 hand towels– 1 large towel– 2 bath blankets


Towel Bath

• Cover the patient with a warm bath blanket– Gradually undress him or her under the

blanket• Cleanse the body by placing warm,

moist towels with no-rinse cleanser under the blanket


Towel Bath

• Use whatever bathing sequence that is comfortable for the patient

• Avoid rushing• Speak in a calm, soothing manner• Replace the blankets and towels as

needed to keep the patient warm


Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

• Washing a cognitively impaired patient’s hair under running water can also be very upsetting

• Try washing the hair with a/an:– Bed shampoo tray– Inflatable shampoo basin– Shampoo cap– Dry shampoo product


Dressing a Patient

• Patients in hospitals generally wear hospital gowns because they are in bed most of the time

• Some patients prefer to wear their own nightgowns or pajamas – They will need assistance in dressing

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Unit 24

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