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5.9: Skills Checklist- Partial Bath

  • Page ID
    70337
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    1. Gather Supplies: Wash basin, warm water, soap, lotion, two washcloths, one towel, barrier, gloves, clean clothes or gown, and linen bag or hamper. See Figure 5.25[1] at the end of this checklist for an image of a wash basin.
    2. Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:
      • Knock on the client’s door.
      • Perform hand hygiene.
      • Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
      • Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times.
      • Provide for privacy.
      • Explain the procedure to the client.
    3. Procedure Steps:
      • Put on gloves.
      • Fill the basin with warm water and place it on a flat surface with a barrier underneath. Have the resident check the water temperature by placing their hand in the basin or putting a wet washcloth on the back of their hand.
      • Raise the bed height to a working height.
      • Keep the resident covered as much as possible using a bath blanket or bed linens.
      • Wash the resident’s face using water only.
      • Pat dry the face.
      • Remove the gown from one arm, keeping the rest of the body covered.
      • Place a towel under one arm, only exposing the arm.
      • Wet a washcloth, put soap on the washcloth, and wash the arm with soap.
      • Wash the hand with soap.
      • Wash the underarm with soap. Place the washcloth containing soap on the edge of the basin or barrier.
      • Rinse the arm with the second washcloth.
      • Rinse the hand.
      • Rinse the underarm.
      • Pat dry the arm.
      • Pat dry the hand.
      • Pat dry the underarm.
      • Move to the other side of the bed and repeat actions on the other side of the body.
      • Dispose of the gown into a linen bag or laundry hamper.
      • Ask the resident if they would like lotion. When applying lotion, wear gloves.
      • Assist the resident to put on a clean gown or clothes.
      • While wearing gloves, empty the equipment.
      • Rinse the equipment.
      • Dry the basin.
      • Return the equipment to storage.
      • Dispose of soiled linen in the designated laundry hamper.
      • Remove the gloves, turning them inside out.
    4. Post-Procedure Steps:
      • Perform hand hygiene.
      • Check for resident comfort and if anything else is needed.
      • Be sure the bed is low and locked. Check the brakes.
      • Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the resident.
      • Open the door and privacy curtain.
      • Perform hand hygiene.
      • Document and report any skin issues or changes noted with the resident.
    Photo showing a wash basin
    Figure 5.25 Wash Basin

    View a YouTube video[2] of an instructor demonstrating a partial bath:

     


    1. "Wash Basin" by Landon Cerny is licensed under CC BY 4.0
    2. Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Partial Bath. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0. https://youtu.be/iR1r-_SKVpc

    This page titled 5.9: Skills Checklist- Partial Bath is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Myra Sandquist Reuter via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.