A fracture pan is a specialized bedpan engineered for patients with limited mobility, often due to lower extremity injuries, spinal issues, or recent surgery. Correct positioning is paramount for patient comfort, maintaining hygiene, and preventing unnecessary strain or injury. The unique design allows for placement and use with minimal disturbance, which is crucial for those who cannot raise their hips easily.
Design and Purpose of a Fracture Pan
The fracture pan is distinct from a standard bedpan due to its low-profile, wedge-like shape. One end is notably flatter and thinner, while the opposite end is slightly higher and often incorporates a handle or reservoir. This tapered structure is specifically intended to slide seamlessly under a patient who is unable to lift their hips significantly, such as those with a hip fracture or a back injury. The flat end reduces the amount of elevation required by the patient’s sacrum and buttocks, thereby reducing the risk of pain.
Preparation Steps Before Positioning
Before positioning the pan, the caregiver must gather all necessary supplies, including disposable gloves, a protective waterproof pad, and personal hygiene materials. Hand hygiene must be performed, and gloves donned to maintain infection control standards. The procedure should be clearly explained to the patient to alleviate anxiety and secure cooperation, which helps maintain their dignity.
Ensure patient privacy by closing curtains or doors, and adjust the bed to a comfortable working height for the caregiver to prevent strain. A protective pad should be placed beneath the patient’s buttocks to protect the linens and skin. The head of the bed should be lowered while the patient remains supine to allow for easier, safer placement of the pan.
The Positioning Procedure
The most important step in positioning a fracture pan is ensuring the flat, low-profile end is placed directly under the patient’s buttocks. The higher, often-handled end of the pan must face toward the foot of the bed, allowing the pan to be slid under the patient’s hips with minimal lifting.
For patients who can assist, ask them to bend their knees and use their feet or a trapeze bar to push up slightly on the count of three. As the patient raises their hips just enough to clear the mattress, the caregiver gently slides the pan under the patient’s sacrum and buttocks area. The pan must be centered beneath the hips to prevent spillage and ensure comfort.
If the patient cannot lift their hips, the caregiver must use the rolling method. The patient is gently rolled onto their side, turning away from the caregiver, often using a side rail for support. The caregiver places the fracture pan firmly against the patient’s buttocks, aligning the flat edge under the patient’s body. The patient is then gently rolled back onto the center of the pan, ensuring it is correctly positioned and secure beneath the hips.
Ensuring Comfort and Safe Removal
Once the fracture pan is positioned, the head of the bed is typically raised to a semi-Fowler’s position (about 30 degrees) to simulate a natural sitting posture and facilitate elimination. This upright angle utilizes gravity and is generally more comfortable for the patient. The patient should be monitored for any signs of discomfort or pressure, and a quick skin check can reveal redness or skin shear where the pan rests.
When the patient has finished, the head of the bed is lowered back to a flat position before removal. The removal process is the reverse of placement, requiring the patient to lift their hips or be rolled gently to the side. The caregiver must hold the pan securely to prevent spillage. After the pan is taken away, the patient’s perineal area should be cleaned, wiping from front to back to prevent infection, and the pan contents are safely disposed of.