ASSISTING THE CLIENT TO USE A BEDPAN PROCEDURE

12. Place the client in a side-lying position once

OBJECTIVES again to complete any necessary perianal
Provide for bowel or urine (female) elimination cleaning.
of a mobility-compromised client. 13. Change soiled linens if necessary. Apply
To re-establish routine urine (female) or bowel peripad if needed
elimination in a mobility-compromised client 14. Allow the client to cleanse hands and
To collect urine (female) measurements or stool position the client for safety and comfort.
for test/s 15. Discard or clean and store equipment as
To provide a safe and clean environment for appropriate.
urine (female) and stool elimination and 16. Remove gloves and wash hands.
disposal 17. CHART: document the date and time, and
type of elimination on the intake and output
sheet. Document color and consistency of
PROCEDURE elimination and the presence of blood, pus, or
1. Wash hands other significant characteristics in urine or stool
2. Identify client, provide privacy, and explain
procedure
3. Warm bedpan under warm water and dry
4. Sprinkle talcum powder on the bed pan to
facilitate positioning
5. Don on gloves
6. If the client can, have her flex knees and
press heels into the mattress to raise buttocks.
Position the bedpan under the buttocks with
open end toward the foot of the bed
7. If the client cannot raise her hips, position
her in a side-lying position facing away from
you. Place the bedpan against the buttocks and
roll the client back onto the pan.
8. Replace the covers and raise the head of the
bed as high as permitted, providing much
comfort as needed.
9. Provide toilet tissue and place the call light
within reach. Tell the client to call when
finished.
10. Moisten a washcloth with warm water for
the client’s hand and moisten additional
washcloth if needed to cleanse the perineal
area.
11. Remove the bedpan and take it to the
bathroom or place it where the risk of
contamination is minimal.
NOTE: cover the bedpan and hold it steady to
prevent spillage of its content.
12. Place the client in a side-lying position once
again to complete any necessary perianal
cleaning.