What will you learn

 The meaning of Bed bath

 The purposes of bathing
 The difference between the complete bed bath and partial bed bath
 Types of Patients Needing Bed Bath
 General Instructions and Scientific Principles
in giving a bed bath

Bed bath means bathing a patient who is confined to bed and cannot have the physical and mental
capability of self-bathing.

Bath is the act of cleaning the body. Baths are given for therapeutic purposes. Bathing is an important
part of personal hygiene.

Purposes:
 To cleanse body of dirt, debris and perspiration
 To refresh
 To stimulate circulation
 To provide comfort and relaxation
 To enhance self-concept
 To facilitate head to be assessment
  To regulate body temperature
 To induce sleep
 To prevent pressure sore
 To remove toxic substances from body surface
 To maintain an effective caregiver-patient relationship
 To give health instruction to patient
 To remove unpleasant odor due to perspiration
 To relieve fatigue
 To prevent contractures by giving exercises
 To minimize the skin irritation

Types of Patients Needing Bed Bath

 Unconscious or semiconscious patients
 Postoperative patients
 Patients with strict bed rest
 Paraplegic patients
 Orthopedic patients in plaster – cast and traction
 Seriously ill patients

Types of Cleansing Bath

 Bed bath: it is the bathing of a patient who is confined to bed
 Therapeutic bath: doctor specifies the temperature of the water, medications to be
added and the body part to be treated
 Partial bath: it is the act of cleaning particular areas in the body part. They are face,
axilla, and genitalia, upper and lower-limbs
 Self-administered bath: this is same as in bed bath except the patient is assisting in
taking bath
 Tub bath or bath room bath: this bath is allowed to the patient only if he has
enough confidence for self-help and to withstand procedure

Scientific Principles
 Heat is conveyed to the body by convection
 The tolerance of heat is different in different persons
 The skin is sometimes irritated by the chemical composition of certain soaps
 Moving the joints through their full range of movement helps prevent loss of muscle
tone and improves circulation
 Long smooth strokes on the arms and legs that are directed from the distal end to
proximal increases the rate of venous flow
 Healthy unbroken skin is a defense against harmful agents and assures resistance to
injuries to a certain extent
 Hygiene practices vary in society according to the socioeconomic standard and
culture of the individual
  Practice of food technique save time, energy material and adds to the comfort of the
patient
 Sensory receptors in the skin are sensitive to heat, pains, touch and pressure

General Instructions
 Explain the procedure to the patient
 Maintain privacy of the patient
 Put off the fans and close the windows and doors to avoid chill
 Do not give bath immediately after the lunch
 Cleaning is to be done from the cleanest area to the less clean area
 The temperature of the water should be 110 – 115 degree F
 A thorough inspection of the skin and back is necessary to find out early signs of
pressure sore
 Use soap which contains less alkali
 Special attention must be given to the creases and folds and bony prominences
between fingers and toes and pubic region
 Remove the soap completely to avoid the drying effect of the soap on the skin
 Do not touch the body with wet hands it is unpleasant to the patient
 Creams or oils used to prevent drying or excoriation of the skin
 The nurse should maintain good posture and balances of the body during bed bath

Preliminary Assessment
 Identify the patient and assess the need
 Check doctors order for any specific precautions
 Assess the general condition of the patient
 Assess the patient’s ability of self-help
 Assess the patient’s mental status to follow directions
 Check the patient’s preference for soap, powder, etc.
 Check whether the patient has taken the meal in the previous one hour
 Find out the available articles in the unit
 Provide privacy avoid draught and maintain proper light
 Teach the patient and relatives about personal hygiene

Preparation of the Patient and Environment

 Explain the sequence of the procedure to the patient
 Close the windows and doors for privacy
 Arrange the necessary articles at the bedside
 Maintain the room temperature which will be must comfortable for patient
 Adjust the height of the bed to the comfortable work of the caregiver.
 Bring the patient to the edge of the bed and towards the nurse to prevent
overreaching
 Provide privacy by means of curtains
 Offer bed pan or urinals before starting the bath. Warm water can stimulate the
urge to urinate or defecate. Water temperature is warmer for a bed bath
(115°F)than a shower or tub bath because it cools quickly at the bedside. Change
the water when it becomes soapy,cold and dirty.Clean.fresh water is necessary to
the clean the client.
 Washing the farthest extremity first prevents dripping water across the part you
have already cleaned. Use a washcloth mitt when washing the client. This helps
you to dangling the ends of the washcloth,which allows water to drip onto the
client.
 Keep the patient flat if the condition permits remove extra pillows and back rest
 Remove the personal clothing and cover the patient with the bath blankets
 Place the hands and feet in a basin of water (if client is able).This is relaxing,
makes the client feel cleaner ,and helps soften the nails. Nail care may be
administered at this time. Use a soap dish or washcloth to prevent the bath water
from becoming too soapy.Rinse all soap from skin to prevent it from drying the
skin.
 Remember to treat clients with dignity and respect during this very personal
activity.

NOTE:LINENS ARE USUALLY CHANGED WHEN THE BED BATH IS

COMPLETED,USING THE PROCEDURE FOR OCCUPIED BEDMAKING.