12.6.1: Procedure- Use of a Bedpan
Patients who are unable to get out of bed may need to use a bedpan when urinating or for bowel movements. The standard bedpan looks like a toilet seat and has a wide, high rim. These types of bedpans are placed under the patient with the widest end under their buttocks. The fracture pan has a lower, thinner rim. The smaller, flatter end is placed under the buttocks. The higher end with the handle is placed facing the patient’s feet. The fracture pan should be used for patients who are unable to lift their hips for bedpan placement after back or spinal injuries or surgeries.
- Explain the procedure to the patient.
- Wash and dry your hands. Always apply gloves when offering and removing a bedpan.
- Adjust the bed to a safe working height. Lock brakes. Lower the head of the bed and position the patient in the supine position.
- Provide privacy for the patient by closing doors and curtains.
- Fold down top linens just enough to slide the bedpan under the patient.
- Place a towel or disposable protective pad under the patient as needed. This helps to protect bed linens from getting urine or feces on it in case of accidental spilling of bedpan contents.
- Assist the patient with removing pants and undergarments if they are unable to do so.
- Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides can dust the bedpan with talcum powder to help prevent the patient’s skin from sticking to the bedpan. Check with a supervisor before doing so. Ensure the patient does not have an allergy to the powder.
- Place bedpan near hips. Position a standard bedpan with the wider edge aligned with the buttocks. Position a fracture pan with the flatter end under the patient’s buttocks and the handle toward the foot of the bed.
- If the patient is able, they can bend their knees and lift their hips as you slide the bedpan under their buttocks. You can provide assistance for the patient as they raise their hips by placing one hand at the small of their back to help raise their buttocks.
- If the patient is unable to lift their hips, roll them to the side facing opposite you. Position the waterproof pad under the patient’s buttocks. Then, position the bedpan under their buttocks, pressing firmly but gently downward on the bedpan, against their buttocks. Hold the bedpan securely against the patient as you roll the patient back toward you. Check to ensure the bedpan is adequately underneath the patient’s buttocks.
- Ensure a blanket is covering the patient. Provide privacy. Raise the head of the bed if the patient prefers so that the patient is more closely in a sitting position. This position allows for a more natural feel for the patient to eliminate. Raise the side rails.
- Provide the patient with toilet paper.
- Dispose of your gloves and wash your hands.
- When the patient has finished using the bedpan, put on clean gloves.
- Lower the head of the bed so the patient is put into a supine position.
- If the patient is able, ask them to lift their hips. While they do this, firmly grasp the bedpan and remove it from under them. Assist with cleaning the patient’s perineum as appropriate.
- If the patient is unable to lift their hips, assist the patient to roll to the side facing away from you. While the patient is rolling, ensure you have a firm grasp on the bedpan. You may have to have one hand on the patient’s hip to assist with rolling, and use your free hand to grasp the bedpan. Remove the bedpan.
- Clean the patient’s perineum. For female patients, wipe the buttocks from front to back, away from the vaginal area. This ensures bacteria from the anal area and from feces do not enter the vaginal area and cause a possible infection.
- Lower the bed to its lowest setting for safety. Reposition the patient for comfort. Ensure side rails are raised.
- Dispose of the contents of the bedpan into the toilet. Rinse and clean the bedpan with hot, soapy water. Dry and put the bedpan away.
- Measure urine as required. Document output of urine or feces as appropriate.
- Dispose of your gloves. Wash and dry your hands.
- Document procedure and any observations or changes in condition or behavior.