A bedpan is a medical device used to collect bodily waste from individuals who cannot leave their bed to use a toilet. The fracture bedpan is a specialized version featuring a distinct low-profile, wedge-shaped design. This construction allows for placement with minimal movement of the patient’s lower body. This guide provides clear instructions for caregivers on the proper technique for placing and removing this device.
Why Use a Fracture Bedpan?
The fracture bedpan is structurally different from a standard bedpan, which resembles a toilet seat and requires the patient to lift their hips considerably. A fracture pan is significantly smaller, featuring a thin, flat end that tapers to a deeper collection area. This low profile allows the device to slide easily beneath a patient with limited mobility.
This design is intended for patients who cannot raise their hips or pelvis without pain or risk of injury. These individuals often include those recovering from hip fractures, hip replacement surgery, lower extremity fractures, or those immobilized in full-body casts. The flatter, tapered front minimizes the required lift, making placement less painful and preserving the integrity of surgical or fracture sites.
Essential Preparation and Safety Measures
Before beginning the procedure, the caregiver must gather all necessary supplies for a smooth and sanitary process. This includes a clean fracture bedpan, disposable gloves, toilet tissue, a waterproof protective pad or ‘chuck,’ and a basin with warm water and soap for cleaning afterward. The caregiver must thoroughly wash hands before donning gloves to prevent microbe transmission.
Providing privacy is important for maintaining the patient’s dignity, requiring closing the door, drawing the curtains, and only exposing the necessary area. The caregiver should clearly explain the procedure to the patient to alleviate anxiety and encourage cooperation. The bed should be adjusted to a comfortable working height, and bed rails should be lowered only on the working side, while the opposite side remains up for safety.
Step-by-Step Guide to Placement and Removal
Begin by positioning the patient supine, with the head of the bed flat or slightly elevated to minimize hip flexion. If the patient can assist, they should bend their knees and push with their heels while the caregiver guides the bedpan beneath them. The flatter, tapered end of the fracture pan is always directed toward the patient’s head, with the handle pointing toward the foot of the bed.
If the patient cannot lift their hips, gently logroll them onto their side, away from the caregiver, while maintaining proper body alignment. Place the waterproof pad and then the fracture pan firmly against the patient’s buttocks and lower back. Slowly roll the patient back onto the device, ensuring they are centered and the flat end is correctly positioned under the sacrum.
After placement, the head of the bed can be raised to a near-sitting position (30 to 60 degrees) to allow gravity to assist with elimination, unless medically contraindicated. Ensure the call light, toilet tissue, and personal items are within easy reach before stepping away to provide privacy. The patient should not be left unattended for an excessive period; remain alert for the call light signaling completion.
For removal, lower the head of the bed to a flat or low-angle position to reduce spillage risk. Ask the patient to gently roll off the pan and onto their side, away from the caregiver, allowing the caregiver to hold the pan steady and level. Carefully remove the pan, cover it, and set it aside. Perform perineal care using toilet tissue, wiping front to back to prevent urinary tract infections. Once the patient is clean, remove the protective pad and reposition the patient comfortably. The final steps include waste disposal, cleaning the bedpan, removing soiled gloves, and performing hand hygiene.