SERVING AND REMOVING OF BEDPAN

BEDPAN – A receptacle for urine and feces

Two main types of bedpan:
1. Regular high-back pan
2. Slipper or Fracture pan – has a low back and is used for clients unable to raise
their buttocks because of physical problems or therapy
that contraindicates such movements.
EQUIPMENTS:
Bedpan Toilet tissue Warm water
Wash cloth Air Freshener ( if needed) Pillows Soap
Hand towel Moisture proof receptacle Pair of clean gloves
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1. Provide privacy Secures the environment of patient & promotes respect

2. Wear clean gloves Prevents cross contamination

3. If the bedpan is metal, warm it by rinsing with warm water This provides comfort

4. Adjust the bed to an appropriate height Prevents back strain of the nurse

5. Elevate the side rail on the opposite side Prevent the client from falling out of bed

6. Ask the client to assist by flexing the knees, resting the Ensures comfort & prevents strain & injury of client’s back and
weight on the back and heels, and raising the buttocks, or by knees
using a trapeze bar, if present.

7. 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
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8. Lubricate the back of the bedpan with a small Reduces tissue friction and shearing
amount of hand lotion or liquid soap

9. Place a regular bedpan so that the client’s buttocks

rest on the smooth, rounded rim.
IF SLIPPER OR FRACTURE PAN IS TO BE USED:
Place a slipper pan with the flat, low end under the
client’s buttocks

10. For a client who cannot assist, obtain the assistance

of another nurse to help lift the client onto the
bedpan or place the client on his or her side, place
the bedpan against the buttocks, and roll the client
back onto the bedpan

11. To provide a more normal position for the client’s Supporting the client’s back with pillows prevent
lower back, elevate the client’s bed to a semi- hyperextension of the back
fowler’s position, if permitted.
If elevation is CONTRAINDICATED, support the
client’s back with pillow as needed
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12. Cover the client with bed linen Maintains comfort and dignity

13. 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

14. Do not leave anyone on a bedpan longer than Lengthy stays on a bedpan can cause skin breakdown
15 minutes unless they are able to remove the pan
by themselves

15. When removing the bedpan, return the bed to the

position used when serving the bedpan, hold the
bedpan steady to prevent spillage of its contents,
cover the bedpan and place it on the adjacent chair

16. If the client needs assistance, apply gloves and wipe

the client’s perineal area with several layers of
toilet tissue. If a specimen is to be collected, discard
the soiled tissue into a moisture- proof receptacle
other than the bedpan.
FOR FEMALE CLIENTS, clean from the urethra
toward the anus
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17. Wash the perineal area of dependent clients with

with soap and water as indicated and thoroughly
dry the area
FOR ALL CLIENTS, offer warm water, soap, a
washcloth and a towel to wash the hands

18. Assist the client to a comfortable position, empty

and clean the bedpan, and return it to the bedside/
under the bed (depends on hospital policy)

19. Remove and discard your gloves and wash your Prevents the spread of microorganism
hands

20. Spray the room with air freshener as needed, unless

contraindicated because of respiratory problems
or allergies

21. Document color, odor, amount and consistency of

urine and feces and the condition of perineal area