Unit 24 Patient Bathing Copyright 2008 Delmar Learning
Unit 24 Patient Bathing Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Objectives • Spell and define terms. • Describe the safety precautions for patient bathing. • List the purposes of bathing patients. • State the value of whirlpool baths. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Waterless Bath • Waterless bathing – Some facilities are taking this new approach to bathing – It may also be called basinless bathing or bag bath Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Whirlpool Bath • The most stimulating form of bathing for patients – Therapeutic bath given in a whirlpool tub Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Whirlpool Bath • The whirlpool can act as a fomite and spread pathogens to many individuals Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Patient Bathing • In most facilities – The patient should not be left alone in the bathtub – Know and follow your facility policies for tub baths Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Dignity and Modesty • Keep the patient warm during bathing • Drape the patient with a bath blanket – As appropriate before, during, and after bathing procedure Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Cultural Beliefs • Learn about accepted ways to show respect • Work on building a relationship of trust with each patient Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Perineal Care • Perineum – Area between the legs – In females • Area between vagina and anus – In males • Area between scrotum and anus Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Perineal Care • Perineal care – To wash the area including genitals and anus Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Infection Control Issues • 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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Infection Control Issues • 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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Bathing Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease • 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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Bathing Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease • 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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Towel Bath • Used for patients with dementia who are distressed by a tub or shower bath Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
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 Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
- Slides: 32