HOT SITZ BATH

Name:_______________________________________________ Grade:__________________
Year and Section:_______________________________________ Date:________ _________
DEFINITION: A prolonged immersion of buttocks and lower trunk in water with an initial temperature of 98◦F to 110◦F,
gradually increased to temperature of 110◦F-120◦F (43.5◦C-48.7◦C) or as hot as the patient can tolerate.

PURPOSE: 1. To relieve muscle spasm

2. To soften exudates
3. To hasten the suppuration process
4. To hasten healing
5. To reduce congestion and provide comfort in the perineal area

MATERIALS: Legend:
• Sitz tub half filled with water 110F-120F
1- Excellent
• Empty pitcher (may be small)
2- Very Satisfactory
• Pitcher with hot water
3- Satisfactory
• Bath thermometer
4- Needs Improvement
• Fresh camisa/patient’s clean clothes
5- Poor
• Bath towel
• 2-3 Blankets
• 1 Bath robe and slippers (from bedside)
• Newspaper

PROCEDURE RATIONALE 1 2 3 4 5

1. Check physician’s order for sitz bath patient.

2. Prepare the materials needed and bring materials at bedside.

3. Introduce self and check patient’s identity

4. Explain procedure to patient.

5. Make patient void before procedure.

6. Place bathmat on floor beside tub. You may use newspaper if
bathmat is not available.

7. Fill in tub one-fourth full of water – temperature 98◦F to 100◦F.

8. Remove patient’s bath robe and place on back of chair.

9. Wrap patient with bath blanket and pin at back.

10. Remove patient’s gown.

11. Ask and help patient to sit squarely on tub.

 12. Prevent blanket (about patient) from getting wet by arranging it
over shoulders and tucking it at feet and sides of tub. Adjust hot water
bag about patient’s feet. Bring second blanket up to knees.

13. Increase temperature of water gradually to 110◦F-120◦F or as hot as

patient can tolerate by holding your hand between patient’s body and
stream of water being poured.

14. Let patient stay in tub for the prescribed period of time.

15. Assist patient out of tub then dry him thoroughly with bath towel.

16. Assist patient while he puts on his gown and bath robe.

17. Take patient back to bed and keep him warm.

18. Make patient comfortable and give him something to drink. Place
buzzer or intercom within patient’s reach.

19. Do after care:

 Bring all materials except sitz tub to utility room. Cleanse

thoroughly and return to their proper places. Return chair to its
place.

 Wash tub with soap and running water for non-communicable

cases.
20. Do documentation:

 Type of treatment
 Length of time of application
 Type of heat application
 Comfort of patient
 Signature of nurse.
ATTITUDE OF THE STUDENT:

24. Accept constructive suggestions and criticisms.

25. Assumes accountability.

Scoring:
1x ____________ = __________
2x ____________ = __________
3x ____________ = __________
4x ____________ = __________
5x ____________ = __________
Total divided by no. of items = __________
Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________ __________ ________ _____

Student’s Signature over Printed Name Clinical Instructor’s Signature over
Printed Name