Bedpans

Pre-Procedure

1. Identify the client, according to employer policy.

2. Explain the procedure to the client.

3. Provide for privacy.

4. WASH HANDS at least 20 seconds with Soap and Water. PUT ON GLOVES.

5. Collect the following:

• Bedpan
• Bedpan cover (or paper towels)
• Toilet tissue
• EXTRA GLOVES

6. Arrange equipment on the chair or bed.

Procedure

 

7. Warm and dry the bedpan, if necessary.

8. Lower the bed rail near you.

9. Place the client in the supine position, keeping the bed as flat as possible. You may use pillows to raise the client's head and shoulders.

10. Fold the top linens and the client's gown out of the way. Keep the lower body covered.

11. ASK the client to flex the knees and raise the buttocks by pushing against the mattress with the feet.

12. Slide your hand under the lower back, and help raise the buttocks.

13. Slide the bedpan under the client.

14. If the client cannot assist in getting on the bedpan:

• Turn the client onto the side away from you.
• Place the bedpan firmly against the buttocks.
• Push downward on the bedpan and toward the client while they are on their side.
• Hold the bedpan securely. Turn the client onto the back.
• MAKE SURE THE BEDPAN IS CENTRED AND UNDER THE CLIENT. CONFIRM THE ANUS AND URETHRA ARE DIRECTLY OVER THE OPENING WHILE THE CLIENT IS SITTING UPRIGHT.

15. Cover the client.

16. Raise the head of the bed so that the client is in the sitting position. If the bed is not adjustable, assist the client into the sitting position, USING PILLOWS FOR SUPPORT.

17. Make sure the clinet is correctly positioned on the bedpan.

18. Raise the bed rail.

19. Place the toilet tissue and call bell (in facilities) within reach.

20. ASK THE CLIENT TO CALL WHEN DONE OR WHEN HELP IS NEEDED.

21. WASH HANDS.

22. Leave the room, and close the door.

23. Return when the client calls. Knock before entering.

24. WASH HANDS AND PUT ON GLOVES.

25. Raise the bed to a comfortable working height. Lower the bed rail and the head of the bed. Or remove the pillows, and place the client in the supine position.

26. ASK the client to raise the buttocks, and remove the bedpan. If the client cannot raise the buttocks, hold the bedpan securely, and turn the client onto the side away from you.

27. Clean around the genital area, if the client cannot do so. Clean from the front (urethra) to the back (anus) with toilet tissue, using a fresh tissue for each wipe. Provide perineal care.

28. Cove the bedpan and take it to the bathroom. Remember to lower the bed and raise the bed rail before leaving the bedside.

29. Note the colour, amount, and character of urine or stool.

30. Empty the bedpan, rinsing with cold water. Clean it with a disinfectant.

31. Remove soiled gloves. WASH HANDS AT LEAST 20 SECONDS THOROUGHLY WITH SOAP AND WATER. Dry well.

32. Put the bedpan and lid away.

33. Help the client WASH THEIR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER AT LEAST 20 SECONDS (Sing "Happy Birthday" twice)

34. Remove gloves. WASH HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER AT LEAST 20 SECONDS.

Post-Procedure

 

35. Provide for safety and comfort. Place the call bell within reach.**

36. Follow the care plan for bed rail use.

37. Remove privacy measures.

38. Follow employer policy for soiled linen.

39. Wash hands at least 20 seconds with soap and water (sing "Happy Birthday" twice).

40. ** Report and record your actions and observations, according to employer policy.