SITZ BATH

Definition: The sitz bath (hip bath) is a bath where the client sits up to the hips in water to relieve
discomfort and pain in the lower part of the body. The Sitz bath works by cleaning the affected area and
increasing blood flow.

Purpose: Sitz bath is performed to soften exudates, hasten healing and suppuration process, relieve
muscle spasm, and to reduce congestion and provide comfort in the perineal area.This way, the bath
helps heal a wound in the area through discharge and slough cleaning, induces voiding in the retention of
urine, induces menstruation, and relieves pain, congestion and inflammation in cases of hemorrhoids,
tenesmus, rectal surgery, anal fissures, after proctoscopic or cycloscopic examinations, sciatica, uterine
and renal colic.

Materials:
 Sitz tub half filled with water 105F  Bath towel
 Pitcher of water 130F  Bath blanket
 Bath thermometer  Rubber ring p.r.n.
 Ice cap-with cover  Gloves
 Fresh camisa  Cleaning supplies, if required

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
the application of a Sitz bath,
including frequency, and length
of time for the application.
2. Gather the necessary supplies
and bring to the bedside stand or
overbed table.
3. Perform hand hygiene and
put on PPE, if indicated.
4. Identify the patient.
5. Close curtains around bed
and close door to room if
possible.
6. Put on gloves. Assemble
Reviewing the medical order and plan
of care validates the correct patient
and procedure (frequency, length,
application).
This promotes efficient management
of time and organization of the task.
Bringing the supplies to the bedside
conserves time and energy, promotes
convenience, and helps the nurse
avoid unnecessary stretching and
twisting of muscles
Hand hygiene prevents the spread of
microorganisms and infection.
Identification ensures that procedure
is performed on correct client, helps
prevent errors, and promotes safety
This ensures privacy, and guarantees
respect for confidentiality and client’s
dignity.
Gloving prevents exposure to blood
equipment; at the bedside if
using a bedside commode or in
bathroom.
7. Raise lid of toilet or
commode. Place bowl of sitz
bath, with drainage ports to rear
and infusion port in front, in the
toilet.
Fill bowl of sitz bath about
halfway full with tepid to warm
water (37°–46°C [98°–115°F]).
8. Clamp tubing on bag. Fill bag
with same temperature water as
mentioned above. Hang bag
above patient’s shoulder height
on the IV pole.
9. Assist patient to sit on toilet
or commode and provide any
extra draping if needed.
Insert tubing into infusion port
of sitz bath. Slowly unclamp
tubing and allow sitz bath to fill.
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.
Instruct patient to call if she
feels light-headed or dizzy or
has any problems. Instruct
patient not to try standing
without assistance.
Observe the patient closely for
signs of weakness and fatigue.
and body fluids. Organization
facilitates performance of task and
increases efficiency of the procedure.
If placed in toilet backwards, sitz bath
will not drain appropriately
Tepid water can help with edema and
promote relaxation. Warm water
improves circulation.
If bag is hung lower, the rate of flow
will not be sufficient and water may
cool too quickly. This ensures
adequate flow of warm water.
 If the tubing is placed in the sitz bath
before the patient sits on the toilet,
the patient may trip over the tubing. 
The filling of the sitz bath ensures the
tissue is submerged in water.
Proper placement ensures
effectiveness of treatment. This
promotes comfort.
Cool water may produce
hypothermia. This protects the
patient’s from feeling chilly.
Quick, easy access to call bell allows
for prompt intervention should
problems arise. Call bell should be
within reach since patient may
become lightheaded due to
vasodilation.
Client may become fatigued from the
procedure or lightheaded from the
warm water, increasing her risk of
falling.
 A cold compress may be placed
at the back of the neck or
forehead.
11. Remove gloves and perform Hand hygiene deters the spread of
hand hygiene. microorganisms
12. When patient is finished (in Gloves prevent contact with blood
about 15–20 minutes, or and body fluids.
prescribed time), put on clean
gloves.

Assist the patient to stand and Patient may be light-headed and

gently pat perineal area dry.
Remove gloves. Assist patient
to bed or chair.
Ensure that call bell is within
reach.
Discontinue the bath if the
patient’s condition warrants.
13. Put on gloves. Empty and
disinfect Sitz bath bowl
according to agency policy.
14. Remove gloves and any
additional PPE, if used. Perform
hand hygiene.
15. Assist the patient to his bed,
where it is best for him to lie
down, and out of drafts until
normal circulation returns.
TOTAL SCORE
dizzy due to vasodilation. Patient
should not stand alone, and bending
over to dry self may cause patient to
fall.
Quick, easy access to call bell allows
for prompt intervention should
problems arise.
Gloving and proper equipment
cleaning deters the spread of
microorganisms.
Removing PPE properly reduces the
risk for infection transmission and
contamination of other items. Hand
hygiene prevents the spread of
microorganisms.
Assisting the patient ensures safety,
promotes prompt intervention, and
ensures patient comfort and wellness.
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 : __________________________