Which is the Best Way to Place a Resident on a Bedpan? A Step-by-Step Guide

Improper bedpan use can lead to serious skin breakdown and pressure sores. Knowing which is the best way to place a resident on a bedpan is a critical skill for any caregiver to ensure patient safety, comfort, and dignity.

Quick Summary

The best method for placing a resident on a bedpan depends on their mobility. For residents who can assist, have them lift their hips. For immobile residents, use the log-rolling technique to gently position the pan.

Key Points

• Technique Depends on Mobility: Use the hip-lift method for residents who can assist and the log-roll method for those who are immobile.

• Choose the Right Pan: Use a regular bedpan for mobile residents and a smaller, flatter fracture pan for those with hip or spinal injuries.

• Preparation is Key: Gather all supplies, warm the pan if metal, and place a protective pad before starting.

• Prioritize Dignity: Always ensure privacy by closing doors and curtains, covering the resident, and maintaining a respectful attitude.

• Proper Positioning is Crucial: Raise the head of the bed after placement to a 30-45 degree angle to mimic a natural sitting position, which aids elimination.

• Minimize Time on Pan: Leaving a resident on a bedpan for extended periods significantly increases the risk of pressure sores and skin breakdown.

• Hygiene is Non-Negotiable: Always wear gloves, provide thorough perineal care after use, and properly clean and disinfect equipment.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Bedpan Placement

Assisting a resident with a bedpan is a common and essential task in caregiving. However, performing it incorrectly can cause significant discomfort, undermine the resident's dignity, and lead to health complications like skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. The key to success lies in communication, preparation, and adapting the technique to the resident's specific mobility level. The goal is always to perform the task safely, efficiently, and with the utmost respect for the individual.

Before beginning, always remember to gather all necessary supplies, including the correct type of bedpan, disposable gloves, toilet paper or wipes, a protective pad (chux), and a blanket for privacy. Explain the procedure to the resident, even if they are non-verbal, to foster a sense of control and cooperation.

Step-by-Step Guide: Placing a Bedpan

The method varies based on whether the resident can lift their hips. Always begin by washing your hands, putting on gloves, and ensuring the resident's privacy by closing the door and curtain.

For Residents Who Can Assist (Lift Hips)

1. Prepare the Bedpan: If using a metal pan, warm it with warm water and dry it thoroughly. A light dusting of powder on the rim can help it slide more easily, but check for skin sensitivities first.
2. Position the Resident: Ask the resident to bend their knees and plant their feet flat on the bed.
3. Lift and Place: Instruct the resident to lift their hips on the count of three. As they lift, slide the bedpan into position under their buttocks. The curved, open rim should face the foot of the bed.
4. Ensure Comfort and Position: Gently lower the resident onto the pan. Raise the head of the bed to a comfortable sitting position (30-45 degrees), as this Fowlers' position facilitates natural elimination.
5. Provide Privacy: Cover the resident with a sheet, place the call light and toilet paper within reach, and step out of the room if it is safe to do so.

For Immobile Residents (Log-Rolling Method)

1. Position the Bed: Lower the head of the bed to a flat position. Raise the entire bed to a comfortable working height to protect your back.
2. Place Protective Pad: Gently roll the resident onto their side, away from you. Place a waterproof pad underneath their hips to protect the linens.
3. Position the Bedpan: Press the bedpan firmly against the resident's buttocks. The wider part of the pan should be aligned with their buttocks.
4. Roll onto the Pan: While holding the bedpan securely in place with one hand, place your other hand on the resident's far hip and gently roll them back onto the pan.
5. Adjust and Provide Privacy: Once they are centered on the pan, raise the head of the bed, provide the call light and toilet paper, and allow for privacy as appropriate.

Choosing the Right Equipment: Fracture Pan vs. Regular Bedpan

Selecting the correct type of bedpan is crucial for both safety and comfort. There are two primary types: the regular bedpan and the fracture pan.

Feature	Regular Bedpan	Fracture Bedpan
Shape	Resembles a toilet seat, with a high back rim.	Wedge-shaped with a low, tapered front and a handle.
Best For	Residents who can lift their hips and sit up comfortably.	Residents with hip fractures, spinal injuries, or limited mobility who cannot lift their hips.
Placement	Requires the user to sit up on the pan.	Slides under the user with minimal movement.
Pros	Higher capacity, feels more natural for elimination.	Easier placement, reduces risk of further injury.
Cons	Difficult for immobile residents to use.	Lower capacity, higher risk of spills.

Maintaining Dignity and Comfort

Using a bedpan can be an embarrassing experience. Caregivers play a vital role in preserving a resident's dignity.

• Communicate Clearly: Always explain what you are about to do.
• Ensure Privacy: Use drapes, blankets, and close the door.
• Be Professional: Maintain a respectful and matter-of-fact demeanor. Avoid reacting to odors.
• Promote Independence: Allow the resident to do as much for themselves as possible, such as wiping or adjusting their clothing.
• Provide Prompt Assistance: Respond to call lights quickly to avoid leaving a resident on a bedpan for too long, which is a major cause of skin breakdown.

Aftercare and Hygiene

Proper cleanup is just as important as placement.

1. Remove the Pan: Lower the head of the bed. Use the same technique (hip lift or log-roll) to carefully remove the bedpan, holding it steady to prevent spills.
2. Provide Perineal Care: Assist the resident with cleaning from front to back. Ensure the skin is clean and completely dry.
3. Inspect the Skin: Take this opportunity to check the skin for any redness or signs of breakdown.
4. Clean and Store Equipment: Empty the bedpan into the toilet (noting output if required), then clean and disinfect it according to facility protocol.
5. Final Steps: Remove your gloves, wash your hands thoroughly, and ensure the resident is comfortable with the call light within reach.

For more in-depth nursing protocols, you can review resources like the Nursing Bedpan Management guide from StatPearls.

Conclusion

Mastering the skill of how to place a resident on a bedpan is fundamental to providing high-quality care. By understanding the different techniques, choosing the right equipment, and always prioritizing the resident's dignity and comfort, caregivers can turn a potentially difficult task into a safe and respectful procedure. Regular practice, clear communication, and attention to hygiene are the cornerstones of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a resident be left on a bedpan?

A resident should only be on a bedpan long enough to complete urination or a bowel movement. Leaving them on for too long greatly increases the risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores.

What is the difference between a regular bedpan and a fracture pan?

A regular bedpan is larger and shaped like a toilet seat, requiring the user to lift their hips onto it. A fracture pan is smaller, flatter, and wedge-shaped, designed to slide under a resident with limited mobility, such as someone with a hip fracture.

How do you place a bedpan for a person who cannot move?

For an immobile person, use the log-rolling technique. Have them roll onto their side, place the bedpan against their buttocks, and then gently roll them back onto the pan. Always use a waterproof pad underneath.

Which way does a bedpan go?

The wider, curved seat part of the bedpan is positioned under the resident's buttocks, with the open, narrower end facing toward their feet.

How can I make using a bedpan more comfortable for a resident?

Warm a metal pan with water before use, raise the head of the bed to a sitting position, use pillows for back support, and ensure complete privacy to make the experience more comfortable and dignified.

What supplies do I need before assisting with a bedpan?

You will need the bedpan, disposable gloves, a waterproof pad (chux), toilet paper or wipes, a basin with warm water and soap for cleaning, a towel, and a blanket for privacy.

Why is it important to raise the head of the bed when a resident is on a bedpan?

Raising the head of the bed to at least a 30-degree angle (Semi-Fowler's position) uses gravity to help facilitate a more natural and effective bowel movement or urination.