SITZ BATH

Definition:

A sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath that cleanses the perineum, which is the space between the
rectum and the vulva or scrotum. A sitz bath can also provide relief from pain or itching in the
genital area. Sitz bath or hip bath is a bath in which a patient sits in water up to the hips to relieve
discomfort and pain in the lower part of the body. Sitz bath works by keeping the affected area
clean and increasing the flow of blood.

Purpose:

A sitz bath can reduce inflammation, improve hygiene and promote blood flow to the anogenital
area. To induce voiding in urinary retention and to relieve pain, congestion and inflammation in
cases of: hemorrhoids, tenesmus, rectal surgery, anal fissures, after proctoscopic or cycloscopic
exams., sciatica, uterine and renal colic.

Materials:

Sitz tub half filled with water 105F, Pitcher of water 130F, bath thermometer, Ice cap-with cover,
Fresh camisa, Bath towel, Bath blanket, and Rubber ring.

Direction: Score the following steps according to the rating scale:

3 – Excellent
2 – Satisfactory
1 – Needs Practice
0 – Not Performed

PROCEDURE RATIONALE RATING REMARKS

1. Review the medical order for To know if it is indicated for
the application of a Sitz bath, the patient.
including frequency, and length
of time for the application.
2. Gather the necessary supplies To save time and effort.
and bring to the bedside stand or
overbed table.
3. Perform hand hygiene and Hand hygiene prevents the
put on PPE, if indicated. spread of microorganisms.
Putting on PPE is required
based on transmission
precautions.
4. Identify the patient. Ensures that right patent
receive right intervention.
5. Close curtains around bed Ensures patient’s privacy.
and close door to room if Any procedure perform to the
possible. patient is a private matter.
6. Put on gloves. Assemble Exposure to blood and body
equipment; at the bedside if fluids is avoided by putting on
using a bedside commode or in gloves.
bathroom.
Organization facilitates
performance of the task.
7. Raise lid of toilet or Sitz bath will not drain
commode. Place bowl of sitz appropriately if placed in toilet
bath, with drainage ports to rear backward.
and infusion port in front, in the
toilet.

Fill bowl of sitz bath about

halfway full with tepid to warm Tepid water can facilitate
water (37°–46°C [98°–115°F]). relaxation and help with
edema; circulation can help
with warm water.
8. Clamp tubing on bag. Fill bag If the bag is lower, the flow
with same temperature water as rate will not be adequate and
mentioned above. Hang bag water will cool too quickly.
above patient’s shoulder height
on the IV pole.
9. Assist patient to sit on toilet If tubing is placed into sitz
or commode and provide any bath before the patient sits on
extra draping if needed. the toilet, the patient may trip
Insert tubing into infusion port over the tubing. Filling the sitz
of sitz bath. Slowly unclamp bath ensures that the tissue is
tubing and allow sitz bath to fill. submerged in the water.

Check to see whether there is

pressure against the patient’s
thighs or legs. If the patient’s
feet do not touch the floor, and
the weight of the legs is resting
on the edge of the tub,
a stool should be used.

It may also be necessary to

place a towel in the water to
support the patient’s back in the
lumbar region.
10. Clamp tubing once sitz bath
is full. Instruct patient to open
clamp when water in bowl
becomes cool.

Ensure that call bell is within

reach. Hypothermia can be
produced by cool water. Due
Instruct patient to call if she to vasodilation, the patient
feels light-headed or dizzy or can become light-headed, so
has any problems. Instruct
the call bell should be within
patient not to try standing
 without assistance. reach.
Observe the patient closely for
signs of weakness and fatigue.

A cold compress may be placed

at the back of the neck or
forehead.
11. Remove gloves and perform
hand hygiene.
12. When patient is finished (in
about 15–20 minutes, or
prescribed time), put on clean
gloves.
Assist the patient to stand and
gently pat perineal area dry.
Remove gloves. Assist patient
to bed or chair.
Ensure that call bell is within
reach.
Prevents cross-contamination
and prevents the spread of
microorganisms.
Gloves keep blood and body
fluids from coming into
contact. Due to vasodilation,
patients can be light-headed
and dizzy. Patients should not
stand alone because it can
cause patients to fall by
bending over to dry
themselves.

Discontinue the bath if the

patient’s condition warrants.
13. Put on gloves. Empty and Proper equipment cleaning
disinfect Sitz bath bowl deters the spread of
according to agency policy. microorganisms.
14. Remove gloves and any Removing PPE properly
additional PPE, if used. Perform reduces the risk for infection
hand hygiene. transmission and
contamination of the items.
Hand hygiene prevents the
spread of microorganisms.
15. Assist the patient to his bed,
where it is best for him to lie Promotes patients’ comfort
down, and out of drafts until
normal circulation returns.
For future references.
TOTAL SCORE
78

Copyright © 2011 by Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Skill Checklists for Taylor’s Clinical
Nursing Skills: A Nursing Process Approach, 3rd edition, by Pamela Lynn and Marilee LeBon.

https://nurseslabs.com/hot-sitz-bath-nursing-interventions-procedure/

INSTRUCTOR : __________________________ AVERAGE: _______________________

DATE : __________________________