copyright © 2008 delmar learning. all rights reserved. unit 24 patient bathing
TRANSCRIPT
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Objectives
• Spell and define terms.• Describe the safety precautions for
patient bathing.• List the purposes of bathing patients.• State the value of whirlpool baths.
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Introduction
• A daily bath is as important for the patient as it is for you
• Following a bath, a patient feels relaxed, clean, and refreshed
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Waterless Bath
• Waterless bathing– Some facilities are taking this new
approach to bathing – It may also be called basinless bathing or
bag bath
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Whirlpool Bath
• The most stimulating form of bathing for patients– Therapeutic bath given in a whirlpool tub
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Whirlpool Bath
• The whirlpool – Has a specific procedure for disinfecting
the tub – This ensures the disinfectant circulates
through the internal jets
• Know and follow your facility procedures carefully
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Whirlpool Bath
• The whirlpool can act as a fomite and spread pathogens to many individuals
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Patient Bathing
• Nursing assistants are frequently assigned to bathe patients
• It is important to follow the guidelines and procedures for bathing carefully to ensure patient comfort and safety
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Patient Bathing
• In most facilities– The patient should not be left alone in the
bathtub– Know and follow your facility policies for
tub baths
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Dignity and Modesty
• Keep the patient warm during bathing• Drape the patient with a bath blanket
– As appropriate before, during, and after bathing procedure
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Dignity and Modesty
• This is an important dignity issue that should not be forgotten
• When a shower chair is used:– Cover the patient’s perineum with a towel
during the tub bath, whirlpool bath, and shower
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Cultural Beliefs
• Affect patients’ bathing preferences• Always show respect for patients’:
– Cultural beliefs– Privacy concerns regarding touching the body– Gender difference– Personal hygiene and peri care after toileting– Keeping the body covered– Wearing clothing with religious significance
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Cultural Beliefs
• Learn about accepted ways to show respect
• Work on building a relationship of trust with each patient
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Safety Measures for Special Treatments
• Patients receiving special treatments can be bathed– Patient receiving an IV– Patient who has drainage tubes– Patient who is receiving oxygen
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Safety Measures for Special Treatments
• Patients with casts may shower if the cast is covered with a plastic bag
• These patients, however, need special care
• Follow the care plan and nurse’s instructions
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Perineal Care
• Perineum – Area between the legs– In females
• Area between vagina and anus
– In males• Area between scrotum and anus
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Perineal Care
• Perineal care – To wash the area including genitals and
anus
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Infection Control Issues
• When using liquid soap from a wall dispenser:– Dispense soap into a small cup and carry it
to the bedside– Pour the liquid soap onto the washcloth as
needed
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Infection Control Issues
• If refillable liquid soap bottles are used:– Each patient should have a bottle labeled
with his or her name– Soap is used for that patient only
• Once a towel has been used below the waist:– Avoid using it above the waist
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Infection Control Issues
• Hang the hand held shower spray on the hook when not in use
• Do not let it hang down or touch the floor– Which is always considered dirty
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Bathing Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
• Bathing is often upsetting for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
• Signs of distress are:– Increased motor activity– Change in tone of voice– Screaming or fighting
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Bathing Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
• Patient may perceive being disrobed and having the body handled as a form of sexual assault
• Patient's behavior – Reveals no tolerance for methods being
used for bathing and/or hygiene
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Bathing Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
• He or she is using the only means available to ask you to find another, less traumatic way of doing it.
• Consider a bag bath, towel bath, or partial bath
• Bathing should never be traumatic • Be flexible and considerate
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Towel Bath
• Used for patients with dementia who are distressed by a tub or shower bath
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Towel Bath
• Bathing environment should be considered:– Darkening the room slightly may be helpful– Play soothing music– Use products with a pleasant aroma on the
patient and in the environment
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Towel Bath
• Goal for this bath is to keep the patient clean and odor free– While avoiding a situation that is potentially
upsetting to the patient
• Respect the patient’s autonomy
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Towel Bath
• Use a variety of techniques to personalize the bath to make it as pleasant as possible
• Type of bath is more creative than other baths– But is not more work, and does not take
more time
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Towel Bath
• Bathe patient with a kit prepared for this purpose, using:– No-rinse skin cleanser– 2 washcloths– 2 hand towels– 1 large towel– 2 bath blankets
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Towel Bath
• Cover the patient with a warm bath blanket– Gradually undress him or her under the
blanket
• Cleanse the body by placing warm, moist towels with no-rinse cleanser under the blanket
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Towel Bath
• Use whatever bathing sequence that is comfortable for the patient
• Avoid rushing• Speak in a calm, soothing manner• Replace the blankets and towels as
needed to keep the patient warm
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Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
• Washing a cognitively impaired patient’s hair under running water can also be very upsetting
• Try washing the hair with a/an:– Bed shampoo tray– Inflatable shampoo basin– Shampoo cap– Dry shampoo product