Skip to main content
Medicine LibreTexts

5.10: Skills Checklist- Full Bed Bath

  • Page ID
    70338
    \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

    1. Gather Supplies: Basin, warm water, soap, shampoo and conditioner if used, lotion, six washcloths, two towels, barrier, gloves, clean clothes or gown, and linen bag or hamper
    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:
      • 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.
      • Place a towel under one leg, keeping the rest of the body covered with the bath blanket.
      • Wash the leg with soap, only exposing the leg.
      • Wash the feet with soap.
      • Rinse the leg and feet.
      • Pat the leg and feet dry.
      • Repeat on the other leg.
      • Raise the side rail on one side of the bed.
      • Move to the opposite side of the bed and assist the resident to roll on their side using a lift sheet or other supportive device.
      • Wash the back while keeping the rest of the body covered.
      • Rinse the back.
      • Pat the back dry.
      • Dispose of the gown and used linens into the linen bag or laundry hamper.
      • Ask the resident if they would like lotion. If applying lotion, wear gloves.
      • Perform perineal care using clean linens according to Chapters 5.18 & 5.19 “Perineal Care Skills Checklists.”
      • Assist the resident to put on a clean gown or clothes and apply an incontinence product if needed.
      • 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.

    Note: Shampooing can be done before washing face, after washing back, or after perineal care per resident preference. See “Shampoo Skills Checklist” for specific steps.

    View a YouTube video[1] of an instructor demonstrating a full bed bath:

     


    1. Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Full Bed Bath . [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0. https://youtu.be/j5GYMOvjjtk

    This page titled 5.10: Skills Checklist- Full Bed 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.