Bedpan Or A Urinal

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What are bedpans and urinals?
Bedpans and urinals are devices that allow people to have a bowel movement or urinate while
they are in bed. A man uses a bedpan for a bowel movement but may prefer a urinal when he
urinates. Women usually use a bedpan for bowel movements and urinating.

Why does a person need to use a bedpan or urinal?

A person may need to use a bedpan or urinal because he cannot walk to the bathroom. He may
have an illness, injury, or surgery that makes him unable to walk. A person should regularly
urinate and have bowel movements to help prevent other health problems from occurring. There
may be only a small amount of time between the urge to urinate and urination. The caregiver
must be quick to respond to the toileting needs of the person in bed.

What kinds of bedpans and urinals are there?

There are several different kinds of bedpans and urinals available. Some are metal and others are
hard plastic. There are bedpans for people who cannot raise their hips. This may include people
in body casts or with hip fractures. Some urinals are made for men and others are made for
women. Some urinals are reusable and others are thrown away after each use. You can buy
bedpans and urinals at medical supply and drug stores. You may also be able to take home the
bedpans and urinals from the hospital.

How do I get ready to help a person use a bedpan?

 Gather your supplies:

o A basin with warm water

o Disposable gloves

o Toilet paper

o Towels

o Wash cloths or wet wipes

  Run warm water over the bedpan and dry it. A metal bedpan retains heat, so check to
make sure it is not too hot before putting it under the person.

 Sprinkle baby powder on the edge of the bedpan to make it easier to slide under the
person.

How do I help a person who can raise his buttocks to use a

bedpan?
 Put on disposable gloves.

 Place a waterproof pad under the person's buttocks to protect the bed from spills.

 Raise the head of the bed a little if it is allowed by the healthcare provider.

 Support the lower back of the person with one hand. With your other hand, place the
curved edge of the bedpan under the buttocks of the person.

 Raise the head of the bed until the person is in a sitting position. Sitting upright makes
having a bowel movement or urinating easier.

 Give the person privacy if possible. If the person is weak, do not leave him alone.

 When the person is done, lower the head of the bed. Ask the person to raise his buttocks.
Support the lower back of the person with one hand. Carefully remove the bedpan with
your other hand. Cover the bedpan with a towel and put it on a chair.

How do I help a person who cannot raise his buttocks to use

a bedpan?
 Put on disposable gloves.

 Roll the person on his side. Put a waterproof pad under the buttocks of the person to
protect the bed from spills.

 Place the bedpan against the buttocks of the person with one hand.

 While holding the bedpan in place, gently roll the person onto his back and up onto the
bedpan.

 Raise the head of the bed a little if it is allowed by the healthcare provider. Sitting upright
makes having a bowel movement or urinating easier.

 Give the person privacy if possible. If he is weak, do not leave him alone.
  When the person is done, lower the head of the bed.

 Roll the person on his side just enough to carefully remove the bedpan.

 Cover the bedpan with a towel and put it on a chair.

How do I clean the person after he uses the bedpan?

 Gently roll the person on his side.

 Clean the buttocks of the person with toilet paper first.

 Next, use a wet washcloth or wet wipe to clean the area. If necessary, use soap and water
to clean the area well. If the person is a female, clean from front to back.

 Dry the area between the person's legs.

 Check the skin for redness or sores. Tell the healthcare provider if you see any redness or
sores. Use medicine on the sores as directed.

How do I help a person use a urinal?

 Put on disposable gloves.

 Ask the person to put the urinal between his legs.

 Spread the person's legs if he cannot do it himself.

 If the person is male and needs extra help, place his penis into the opening at the top of
the urinal.

 Position the urinal and hold it gently while the person urinates.

 When the person is done, carefully remove the urinal.

 Gently wipe between the person's legs with a damp washcloth. If the person is a female,
clean from front to back.

 Dry the area between the person's legs.

What other cleaning needs to be done?

 Give the person a damp washcloth or wet wipe to clean his hands after using the bedpan
or urinal.

 Take the bedpan or urinal to the bathroom and empty it into the toilet.
  Clean the bedpan or urinal with soap and water.

 Clean the bedpan or urinal as needed with a disinfectant soap or cleaning solution such as
bleach. Ask healthcare provider what cleaner you should use.

 Procedure of giving and removing bedpan to a patient.

1.  Wear disposable glove.

2. If the bedpan is metal, warm it by rinsing it with warm water.
3. Adjust the bed to a height appropriate to prevent back strain.
4. Elevate the side rail on the opposite side to prevent the client from falling out of bed.
5. Ask the client to assist by flexing the knees, resting the weight on the back heels, and
raising the buttocks, or by using a trapeze bar, if present.
6. Help lift the client as needed by placing one hand under the lower back, resting your
elbow on the mattress, and using your forearm as a lever.
7. Lubricate the back of the bedpan with a small amount of hand lotion or liquid soap to
reduce tissue friction and shearing.
8. Place a regular bedpan so that the client’s rest on the smooth, rounded rim. place a slipper
pan with the flat, low end under the client’s buttocks.
9. For the client who cannot assist , obtain the assistance of another nurse to help lift the
client onto the bedpan or place the clients on his or her side , place the bedpan against the
buttocks and roll the clients onto the bedpan.
10. To provide a more normal position for the clients lower back elevates the client’s bed to a
semi Fowler’s position. If permitted. If elevation is contraindicated, support the clients
back with pillow as needed to prevent hyperextension of the back.
11. Cover the clients with bed linen to maintain comfort and dignity.
12. Provide toilet tissue, place the call light within reach, lower the bed to the low position,
elevate the side rail if indicated and leave the client alone.
13. Answer the call bell promptly
14. Do not leave anyone on a bedpan longer than 15 minutes unless they are able to remove
the pan themselves. Lengthy stays on a bedpan can causes pressure ulcer.
15. When removing the bedpan, return the bed to the position used when giving the bedpan,
hold the bedpan steady to prevent spillage of its content, cover the bedpan, and place it on
the adjacent chair.
16. If the client needs assistance, don glove and wipe the patient’s perineal area with several
layers of toilet tissue. If a specimen proof is needed place the tissue in a receptacle other
than the bedpan.
17. Wash the perineal area of dependent patient with soap and water and thoroughly dry the
area.
18. For all patients, offer warm water soap, a washcloth. and a towel to wash the hands.
19. Assist the pateints to a comfortable position, empty and clean the bedpan, and return it to
the bedside.
20. Remove and discard you gloves and wash your hands.
 21. Spray the room with air freshener as needed to control odor unless contraindicated
because of respiratory problems or allergies.
22. Document colour, odour amount and consistency of urine and feces and the condition of
the perineal area

1.16 Urinal and Bedpan Assistance

b. Use of Urinal.

(1) Raise or level the bed as necessary. For example, some patients may desire to have the head
of the bed raised. Others may require the knee part of the bed to be lowered or level.

(2) Bring the urinal to the patient inserted in a paper cover. Screen the patient and give the urinal
directly to him, placing the cover on the seat of the chair.

(3) Assist the patient as needed; for example, adjust his pajama trousers or position the urinal.
Instruct the patient to signal when finished. Be sure that he understands that he must never place
the urinal on his bedside cabinet. This is for esthetics and sanitary reasons.

(4) On signal, return promptly, bringing a basin of warm water. Remove the urinal from the bed.
Assist the patient to wash his hands.

(5) Note the color and amount of urine before discarding it. If an output record is kept, measure
and record the amount and time voided on DD Form 792, Intake and Output Worksheet. If the
appearance of the urine seems abnormal, save a specimen for the doctor to observe.

(6) Follow the routine procedure for cleansing and storing the urinal.

c. Use of Bedpan.

Following is the proper procedure for handling a bedpan for either a male or female patient
(figure 1-16).

Figure 1-16. Bedpan.

(1) Bring the patient a warmed bedpan inserted in paper cover, rinsed in hot water, and dried.

(2) Provide privacy.

(3) Place the covered pan on the chair seat and prepare to assist the patient as necessary. Lift the
bed cover; remove any supporting pillows; and lower the knee rail. Pull the pajama jacket above
the waist, and the pants to below the knees. Tell the patient to bend his knees, press his heels
against the bed, and raise hips. Slip one hand under his back, and place the pan under the
buttocks. Ask for assistance if the patient is heavy and unable to assist in lifting.

If the patient cannot raise his buttocks, roll him to the near side of the bed, place the pan under
his buttocks, and then roll him back on the pan. Check his position on the pan.

(4) Elevate the head of the bed. Place toilet paper and signal cord within patient’s reach, and
leave patient alone unless there is a requirement for constant attention.

(5) When the patient is through, answer his signal promptly, bring a basin of warm water. When
removing the pan, support the patient in the same way as when the pan was being placed. If the
patient is unable to cleanse himself, turn him on his side off the pan and cleanse him with paper.
If necessary, wash the anal area with soap and warm water; dry thoroughly.

(6) Place covered pan on chair. Readjust pajamas, bedding, and patient’s position. Remove the
screen. Air the area by opening a window, if possible.

Caregiving: Bedpans, Portable Commodes,

and Other Options
What equipment do I need?

There are a few things to consider when choosing a bedpan. If you expect to need it for a long
period of time, it's worthwhile to consider different options. Disposable bedpans or bedpan liners
can make cleanup easier. If your relative is unable to lift her hips -- perhaps because of a hip
fracture -- select an ergonomic design that can easily slide into place.

You'll also need a small wash basin to hold warm water, disposable gloves, toilet tissue or wipes,
washcloths, soap for hand washing, powder or cornstarch, and absorbent padding for the bed.

What are the next steps?

After gathering your supplies, wash your hands so they are clean and warm. Put on the
disposable gloves.
If the bedpan is metal, warm it with tap water and dry it.

Spread an extra layer of absorbent padding on the bed -- even if there's a plastic or rubber sheet
on the mattress.

Dust a little powder or cornstarch on the bedpan seat to make it easier to place and adjust.

Fold the bedclothes down and to the side to avoid soiling. If needed, use a drape or sheet for
warmth and privacy.

How do I use a bedpan?

Place the bedpan on the bed near her hips with the open end facing the foot of the bed.

If possible, help her to a sitting position. (Sitting can make it easier to eliminate.) Have her flex
her knees slightly, and then support her back while you slide the bedpan and the absorbent pads
into position.

If sitting is impossible, help her roll onto one side. Position the absorbent padding. Place the
bedpan against her buttocks, and move it gently in place as you help her roll into position.

Take a moment to ask her if she's comfortable.

When women use the bedpan, a wick made of toilet paper will guide the urine stream and help
avoid spills.

Privacy is important, but if your relative is weak, don't risk a fall: Stay in the room. Under no
circumstance should you leave the bedpan in place for extended periods of time. It's not only
uncomfortable, but also sitting for a long time on a hard surface can cause a pressure sore.
Consult with your health-care provider if constipation or urine retention is a problem.

If she's able to clean herself, provide her with toilet paper, but you may have to assist with
wiping.

If she's in a sitting position, support her as she lifts her buttocks slightly, allowing you to slide
the bedpan out of the way.

If she's on her side, help her gently roll away from the bedpan. Use one hand to keep the pan
from spilling.

As needed, use a warm, wet washcloth to clean the buttocks area. Dry the area thoroughly before
putting her clothes back on, and be alert for any skin irritation, rashes, or sores. If you notice
these or any other problems developing, consult your health-care provider.

What are some other toileting options?

Adult diapers (Incontinence pads)

Portable urinals

Portable commodes

Catheters

If your loved one cannot use a bedpan or diapers, and can't stand up to use a bedside commode,
her doctor may insert a urinary catheter. Used to drain urine, it consists of a thin, rubber tube that
enters the urethra and goes into the bladder, where it is held in place by a small balloon. The
opposite end of the tube is connected to a collection bag. Proper hygiene and care of the catheter
is crucial for avoiding bladder and kidney infections, so be sure to get detailed instructions from
the doctor or nurse.

Cleanup

Reusable bedpans, urinals, and bedside commodes need to be washed after every use. Empty
waste into the toilet. Rinse immediately with cool water. Dispose of soiled protective pads and
wipes.