How to properly position a standard bedpan? A comprehensive guide for caregivers

Studies reveal that many patients in care settings experience discomfort and embarrassment with bedpan use. Learning how to properly position a standard bedpan is a vital caregiving skill that ensures patient comfort, hygiene, and dignity for bedridden individuals, making the process smoother for everyone involved.

Quick Summary

Properly positioning a standard bedpan involves gathering supplies, ensuring privacy, and assisting the patient onto the device with the wide, rounded end correctly placed under the buttocks using either a hip-lift or side-roll technique. The process includes raising the head of the bed to a semi-sitting position for comfort and facilitating elimination, before carefully removing it and performing aftercare.

Key Points

• Preparation is Key: Gather all supplies, including a warm bedpan, gloves, and a protective pad, before starting to prevent interruptions.

• Prioritize Privacy and Dignity: Always explain the procedure to the patient and ensure their privacy is protected with curtains and blankets.

• Choose the Right Technique: Use the hip-lift method for mobile patients and the rolling technique for those who are immobile to prevent strain and injury.

• Ensure Correct Positioning: Place the bedpan with the wide, rounded rim under the patient's buttocks, raising the head of the bed to a semi-upright angle to aid elimination.

• Act Promptly and Carefully: Remove the bedpan as soon as the patient is finished to prevent skin breakdown, holding it level to avoid spills.

• Follow Strict Hygiene: Complete the process with thorough aftercare, including proper wiping, drying the skin, and sanitizing the bedpan.

Essential Preparation: Setting the Scene

Proper preparation is the foundation for a successful and respectful experience with a bedpan. This not only makes the process more comfortable for the patient but also minimizes the risk of spills and cross-contamination.

Supplies You'll Need

Before you begin, gather all necessary items to avoid leaving the patient unattended.

• Standard bedpan (warm it with warm water first for comfort, if metal)
• Disposable gloves
• Waterproof pad or underpad to protect the bed linens
• Toilet paper and wet wipes or a damp washcloth
• Towel or blanket for privacy
• A bag for soiled linens

Patient Communication and Privacy

Using a bedpan can be a source of embarrassment and anxiety for patients. To minimize this, clear communication and prioritizing their dignity are crucial.

• Explain every step of the process clearly and calmly before you begin.
• Always draw curtains or close the door to ensure privacy.
• Use a blanket or sheet to cover the patient's legs and pelvic area as much as possible during the process.

Method 1: For Patients Who Can Lift Their Hips

If the patient has some mobility and can assist by lifting their hips, this method is typically simpler and causes less strain for both the patient and caregiver.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the patient: Have the patient lie on their back with knees bent and feet flat on the bed. Place the waterproof pad under their buttocks to protect the linens.
2. Position the bedpan: Instruct the patient to lift their hips up on the count of three. Use one hand to offer gentle support to their lower back, and with your other hand, slide the bedpan underneath their buttocks. The wide, rounded end should be under their buttocks, and the tapered end should point toward their feet.
3. Ensure proper placement: Gently guide the patient back down onto the bedpan. Ask them if they are positioned correctly and comfortably. For a standard bedpan, the buttocks should sit firmly and centrally on the raised rim.
4. Promote elimination: Raise the head of the bed to a semi-upright position (semi-Fowler's position), a minimum of 30 degrees. This posture aligns the body more naturally for elimination.

Method 2: For Immobile Patients

For patients who cannot lift their hips, the rolling technique is the safest and most effective approach, preventing injury to both the patient and the caregiver.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Lower the head of the bed: Ensure the bed is flat before you begin to roll the patient. Place a waterproof pad underneath their buttocks area first.
2. Roll the patient: Gently roll the patient onto their side, away from you. This can be done by crossing their arms over their chest and bending the knee closest to you, then using the bent knee as leverage. You can place a pillow behind their back for support if needed.
3. Place the bedpan: With the patient on their side, place the bedpan against their buttocks. Ensure the wide, rounded part of the bedpan is against their bottom and the narrow end is facing toward their feet. Use one hand to hold the bedpan flat and steady against the bed.
4. Roll back onto the pan: While holding the bedpan in place, gently roll the patient back onto their back and onto the bedpan. Check for proper positioning by ensuring their buttocks are firmly on the bedpan rim.
5. Elevate the head of the bed: Raise the head of the bed to a semi-Fowler's position to aid with elimination.

Post-Procedure: Care and Hygiene

Once the patient has finished using the bedpan, the process is not complete until proper aftercare and hygiene are observed.

Removing the Bedpan

1. Lower the bed: Gently lower the head of the bed to a flat position before removing the pan, holding the bedpan flat to avoid spillage.
2. Assist removal: If the patient can lift their hips, have them do so as you carefully slide the bedpan out. For immobile patients, gently roll them off the bedpan and onto their side, holding the bedpan firmly to prevent spills.
3. Provide aftercare: Assist with wiping if necessary, always wiping from front to back to prevent urinary tract infections. Use wet wipes or a damp cloth to ensure the area is clean and dry. Remove the waterproof pad.
4. Clean up: Cover the bedpan with a towel and carry it to the toilet. Empty the contents, rinse the bedpan thoroughly, and sanitize it according to recommended procedures. Wash your hands and offer a hand wipe or washcloth to the patient.

Bedpan Comparison: Standard vs. Fracture

Selecting the right bedpan can significantly improve patient comfort. This table outlines the key differences between the two main types.

Feature	Standard Bedpan	Fracture Bedpan
Shape	Round, with a high rim, similar to a regular toilet seat.	Flat and tapered on one end for easier sliding.
Best For	Patients who can lift their hips with some assistance.	Immobile patients, or those recovering from hip surgery or with lower body fractures.
Comfort	Can be more comfortable for those with mobility.	Specifically designed to reduce discomfort and skin irritation for those with limited movement.
Placement	Requires lifting the patient's hips to position the pan underneath.	Tapered front can be slid underneath a patient from the front without extensive lifting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure a smooth and respectful experience, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Rushing the process: This can lead to anxiety and stress for the patient, potentially making elimination more difficult.
• Neglecting privacy: Failing to provide privacy can cause embarrassment and psychological distress.
• Ignoring discomfort: Disregarding a patient's pain or discomfort can lead to negative experiences and a refusal to use the bedpan in the future. Check in with them regularly.
• Leaving on the bedpan too long: Extended use of a bedpan can increase the risk of pressure sores and discomfort.
• Improper hygiene: Inadequate cleaning can lead to infections. Always wipe correctly and sanitize the bedpan thoroughly after each use.

Conclusion

Mastering how to properly position a standard bedpan is a vital skill for anyone providing care for a bedridden or mobility-impaired individual. By following a clear process, communicating effectively, prioritizing dignity, and paying attention to detail, caregivers can ensure a sanitary and comfortable experience. Focusing on these best practices helps maintain the patient's well-being and fosters a relationship of trust and respect. For further reading on safe patient handling, visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which way does a standard bedpan go under a patient?

The wide, rounded end of the bedpan should be positioned directly under the patient’s buttocks, much like they would sit on a toilet seat. The tapered, narrower end should face toward the patient's feet.

What if the patient cannot lift their hips to help position the bedpan?

If the patient cannot lift their hips, you should use the rolling technique. Gently roll the patient onto their side, position the bedpan securely against their buttocks, and then roll them back onto the bedpan. This avoids unnecessary lifting and strain.

How can I make the bedpan more comfortable for the patient?

You can improve comfort by warming a plastic or metal bedpan with warm water before use. Applying a light dusting of talcum powder or using an absorbent bedpan liner can also help it slide easily. Placing a pillow under their lower back can provide extra support when they are using the bedpan.

How do you prevent spills when using and removing a bedpan?

To prevent spills, always hold the bedpan level and steady. When removing the bedpan, hold it firmly in place while rolling the patient off. For a heavier patient, a second person may be needed to assist with stable removal.

How long should a patient stay on a bedpan?

A patient should only remain on a bedpan for the time needed to complete urination or bowel movement. Extended periods can cause discomfort and increase the risk of pressure ulcers or skin irritation.

What is the difference between a standard and a fracture bedpan?

A standard bedpan is round with a raised rim and is used for patients with some hip mobility. A fracture bedpan has a flat, tapered end that allows it to be slid under an immobile patient with less movement, ideal for those with hip injuries.

What are the psychological aspects of using a bedpan for seniors?

Many seniors can feel a sense of embarrassment, dependency, and loss of privacy when using a bedpan. Caregivers can mitigate this by ensuring privacy, explaining the process clearly, and responding promptly to requests for assistance.