What is the correct way to put a bedpan on?

According to the National Institutes of Health, bedpans are indicated for immobile patients due to conditions like fatigue, surgery recovery, or fracture concerns. Understanding what is the correct way to put a bedpan on is crucial for preventing injury, maintaining dignity, and ensuring patient comfort.

Quick Summary

The proper method for bedpan placement depends on the patient's mobility, involving either a hip-lift technique for those who can assist or a side-rolling method for those who cannot, prioritizing privacy and comfort throughout the process.

Key Points

• Pre-Procedure Protocol: Always gather supplies, ensure privacy, and prepare both the patient and the environment before attempting bedpan placement.

• Hip-Lift vs. Side-Roll: The technique for putting a bedpan on depends entirely on the patient's mobility. Use the hip-lift method for mobile patients and the side-roll for immobile ones.

• Prioritize Comfort: Use warm water or powder on the bedpan rim to reduce discomfort, and use pillows to support the patient's back while in use.

• Ensure Proper Alignment: For both standard and fracture bedpans, proper positioning is key to preventing spillage and maximizing comfort, ensuring the pan is centered and snug.

• Post-Use Hygiene: After removal, clean the patient, empty and sanitize the bedpan, and perform hand hygiene to maintain proper sanitation and prevent infection.

Preparing for Bedpan Placement

Before beginning, gather all necessary supplies and prepare the environment to ensure a smooth, dignified process.

Supplies Needed

• Gloves (disposable)
• Bedpan (either standard or fracture, depending on patient needs)
• Waterproof incontinence pad or 'chuck'
• Toilet paper or wet wipes
• Basin with warm water and soap for handwashing
• Towel for drying hands
• Clean linens (if a change is necessary)
• Pillow for support

Patient and Environment Preparation

1. Ensure Privacy: Close the door and pull the privacy curtain. Explain the procedure to the patient clearly and calmly to alleviate any embarrassment or anxiety.
2. Perform Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before donning your gloves.
3. Position the Bed: Raise the bed to a comfortable working height to prevent caregiver back injury. Lower the head of the bed slightly if using the hip-lift method, but keep it flat for the side-roll technique.
4. Protect the Linens: Place an incontinence pad or 'chuck' under the patient to protect the bedsheets from spills.
5. Warm the Bedpan: Run warm water over the bedpan or use a wet wipe to warm the surface. A cold bedpan can be a shock to the patient.

Method 1: The Hip-Lift Technique

This method is suitable for patients who have enough upper body strength and mobility to lift their hips with some assistance.

1. Instruct the Patient: Ask the patient to bend their knees and place their feet flat on the bed. Tell them you will help them lift their hips on the count of three.
2. Position Yourself: Stand beside the bed with the bedpan ready. Place one hand under the patient's lower back to provide support as they lift.
3. Lift and Place: On the count of three, the patient lifts their hips. Use your supporting hand to guide the lift while simultaneously sliding the bedpan underneath their buttocks. The wider, flatter end of a standard bedpan should be positioned under the buttocks, and the tapered end should face toward the feet. Ensure the pan is centered.
4. Ease Down: Gently assist the patient in lowering their hips onto the bedpan. Check that the position is secure and comfortable.

Method 2: The Side-Rolling Technique

This technique is for patients who are unable to lift their hips due to injury, weakness, or other mobility issues.

1. Roll the Patient: With the bed flat, gently roll the patient onto their side, facing away from you. Ensure they are stable and not too close to the edge of the bed.
2. Position the Bedpan: Tuck the bedpan firmly against the patient's buttocks. If using a fracture bedpan, the low, tapered end should be pointing toward the front of the patient, and the handle should face the caregiver.
3. Roll Back: With one hand holding the bedpan firmly in place against the patient, use your other hand to assist in rolling them back onto their back and onto the bedpan. Check for proper placement.
4. Provide Comfort: Raise the head of the bed to a semi-upright (semi-Fowler's) position (about 30-45 degrees). Place a pillow or rolled towel under the small of the patient's back for added comfort.

Troubleshooting and Comfort Tips

• To prevent spills, ensure the bedpan is centered and snugly against the patient. Holding the pan steady as they roll off is critical.
• For skin irritation, a light dusting of cornstarch or powder on the bedpan rim can reduce friction, but only if there are no open sores.
• Increase comfort by ensuring the bedpan is not too cold and that the patient is properly supported with pillows. Do not leave a patient on a bedpan for too long, as this can increase the risk of pressure sores. Limit time to a few minutes, if possible.

Comparison Table: Standard vs. Fracture Bedpan

Feature	Standard Bedpan	Fracture Bedpan
Shape	Rounded, higher rim	Flat, tapered, with a lower rim
Use Case	Patients with some mobility who can lift their hips	Immobile patients, post-surgery, or with hip fractures
Placement	Requires lifting hips to slide underneath	Can be easily slid under a patient who is rolled to their side
Comfort	Can be less comfortable due to higher rim	More comfortable for patients with limited movement
Design	Resembles a toilet seat	Tapered front and handle for easier placement

Final Steps: Removal and Cleaning

1. Signal for Completion: When the patient is finished, they should signal you. Provide toilet paper and assist with wiping if needed, always wiping from front to back.
2. Lower the Bed: Lower the head of the bed to a flat position before removing the bedpan to prevent spillage and injury.
3. Remove Carefully: Hold the bedpan flat and steady as you assist the patient in rolling off of it. Place it securely on a nearby surface covered with a towel.
4. Post-Procedure Care: Empty the bedpan into the toilet, rinse it with water, and wash with a disinfectant. Offer the patient a warm washcloth or wipes for their hands. Dispose of gloves and perform hand hygiene again.

Conclusion

Mastering what is the correct way to put a bedpan on is an essential skill for any caregiver. By following these methodical steps, you can provide safe, comfortable, and respectful care. Prioritizing patient dignity and understanding the correct techniques for different mobility levels ensures that this sensitive procedure is handled with the utmost professionalism. Always remember to communicate with the patient, ensuring they feel secure and informed throughout the process.

For additional information on nursing procedures, you can consult authoritative resources like the NCBI Bookshelf for Nursing Bedpan Management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct way to put a bedpan on for someone with limited mobility?

For someone with limited mobility, use the side-rolling technique. Gently roll the patient onto their side, place the bedpan against their buttocks, and then roll them back onto the pan, holding it securely in place.

How do you position a fracture bedpan correctly?

A fracture bedpan is tapered. Place it with the low, thin end facing the patient's front (toward their feet) and the handle facing you. The side-rolling method is most effective for proper placement.

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

You can increase comfort by warming the bedpan with warm water before use, raising the head of the bed to a semi-upright position, and placing a pillow or towel under their back for support.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when putting a bedpan on?

Common mistakes include not ensuring privacy, improper placement leading to spills, using a cold bedpan, and leaving the patient on the bedpan for too long, which can cause pressure sores.

How do you prevent spillage when using a bedpan?

To prevent spillage, ensure the bedpan is placed firmly and correctly under the patient. When removing it, hold it flat and steady against the patient's body as they roll off.

Is there a specific way to remove a bedpan?

Yes. Lower the head of the bed first. Then, ask the patient to roll off or gently roll them off while holding the bedpan firmly to prevent it from tilting and spilling its contents.

When should I choose a standard bedpan over a fracture bedpan?

A standard bedpan is best for patients who can assist by lifting their hips. A fracture bedpan is more suitable for those who are bedridden, have mobility issues, or have a hip or leg injury that prevents lifting.