SHAMPOOING A PATIENT IN BED

Hair care is an essential part of personal hygiene and has an important role in maintaining self-
esteem and quality of life. Supporting patients to maintain hair care when they cannot do
thesethemselves is a fundamental aspect of nursing care.

So the purpose of shampooing a patient is:

 To promote cleanliness of hair and scalp
 To reduce or get rid of scalp lesion or infestation
 To stimulate blood circulation
 To improve appearance and well-being of patient
 To increase the client’s comfort

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PERFORMING BED SHAMPOO/HEAD BATH:

 Water used for the shampoo should be 40.5°C (105°F) for an adult or child to be comfortable and
not to injure the scalp. 
 The type of shampoo that will be used may vary, depending on the patient. Usually the client will
supply the liquid or cream shampoo. If the shampoo is being given to destroy lice, amedicated
shampoo should be used.
 The amount of shampoo that will be used depends on the patient’s activities and the amount of
sebum secreted by his or her scalp.

Assessment
 Assess for any activity or positioning limitations.
• Inspect the patient’s scalp for any cuts, lesions, or
bumps. Note any flaking, drying, or excessive oiliness.

CHECKLIST SHAMPOOING A PATIENT IN BED

Procedure Rationale
1. Review chart for any limitations in So that we can have a basis on how to properly
perform the procedure. Okay so my patient had ankle
physical activity or contraindications to the
operation and is not able to perform head bath. And
procedure. according to his charts he is allowed to be shampooed
in bed. After checking
2. Perform hand hygiene. And before anything else, it is very important to
perform hand hygiene to prevent cross contamination
and spread of microorganism.
3. Identify patient. Explain the procedure And then I have to greet the client and also validate
to the patient. some information about him or her to ensure that we
have the correct client for the procedure. So in
validating the clients’ identity, we have to check the
client’s wrist band or ask the client.
And of course we also have to explain the purpose
and procedures to the client. Because proper
explanation may allay his/her anxiety and foster
cooperation.

4. Assemble equipment on over bed table
within reach.
5. Close curtains around bed and close
the door to the room, if possible.
6. Lower the head of the bed.
Remove pillow and place protective
pad under patient’s head and shoulders.
7. Fill the pitcher or dipper with warm
water (43- 46 degrees Celsius).
Position the patient at the top of the
bed, in a supine position. Have the
patient lift his or her head and
place shampoo board underneath
patient’s head. If necessary, pad
the edge of the board with a small
And then of course it is necessary to assemble all the
equipment beforehand to conserve time and energy,
then arrange them conveniently at the client’s bedside
We have to also of course close the doors or fix the
curtains, adjust room temperature and provide
adequate room lightning to provide patients comfort
and secure their privacy.
Padding supports neck muscles and prevents undue
strain and discomfort.
Water used for the shampoo should be 40.5°C
(105°F) for an adult or child to be comfortableand not
to injure the scalp.
Water that is too hot may burn the patient and water
too cold is chilling.
 
 towel.
8. Place a drain container underneath the
drain of the shampoo board.
9. Put on gloves. If the patient is able,
have him/ her hold a folded washcloth at
the forehead. Pour pitcher of warm water
slowly over patient’s head, making sure that
all hair is saturated. Refill pitcher, if needed.
10. Apply a small amount of shampoo to
patient’s hair. Massage deep into the scalp,
avoiding any cuts, lesions, or sore spots to
prevent further complications.
Because doing so could protect the patient from
moisture and pads his/her neck against the pressure
of the shampoo tray.
Water receptacle must be lower than patient’s head so
water will run away from the head and face.
As an infection control procedure to prevent cross
contamination.
Protects eyes from irritation of soapy water.
Make sure that we control the water to avoid splashing
and incorrect procedure.
Massaging stimulates blood circulation to the scalp
and aids in the cleansing of the hair. Using the
pads of the fingers prevents scratching of the scalp.
.
Inspect hair and scalp while shampooing. Inspection
determines any problems such as irritation or
dandruff.

11. Rinse with warm water (43-46 degree Rinse the hair with water thoroughly. Remember that
Celsius) until shampoo is out of hair. Water that is too hot may burn the patient and water
too cold is chilling.
Rinsing thoroughly prevents irritation of the scalp from
shampoo residue.
12. If patient has thick hair or requests it,
apply a small amount of conditioner to hair
and massage throughout. And of course we
have to Avoid any cuts, lesions or sore
spots to prevent further complications.
13. If drain container is small, empty before
rinsing hair. Rinse with warm water until all
conditioner is out of hair.
14. Remove shampoo board. Place towel Squeeze as much water as possible out of hair with
around patient’s hair. your hands. Aids in drying of the hair by removing
excess moisture

15. Pat hair dry, avoiding any cuts, lesions,

or sore spots. Remove protective padding
but keep one dry protective pad under
patient’s hair.
16. Gently brush hair, removing tangles as
needed.
17. Blow-dry hair on a cool setting, if May dry hair with hair dryer on “warm” setting if
allowed and if patient wishes. If not, available. Using “hot” setting may lead to burning of
the scalp.
consider covering the patient’s head with a
dry towel, until hair is dry.
18. Change patient’s gown and remove
protective pas. Replace pillow to ensure
that the patient can still lie down
comfortably without any trace of moisture or
irritation from the linens
19. Remove equipment and return patient
to a position of choice/ comfort. Remove
gloves. Raise side rails and lower bed at its
lowest position.
20. Remove additional PPE, if used, Appropriate disposal prevents spread of
Perform hand hygiene. microorganisms.
21. Record assessment, significant
observations and unusual findings, such as
bleeding or inflammation. Document any
teaching done. Document procedure