A bedpan is a medical device designed to collect urine and feces from individuals with limited mobility who are unable to use a toilet. Patients who have recently undergone surgery, have a fracture, or are generally frail often require a bedpan while confined to bed. Proper technique and correct positioning are essential for ensuring patient comfort, maintaining dignity, and preventing leaks and skin irritation.
Essential Preparation Steps
Before positioning the bedpan, gather all necessary supplies. These include a clean bedpan, disposable gloves, toilet paper, and wet wipes for pericare. Use a protective pad or towel placed under the patient to guard the linens against accidental spills.
Communicate the procedure clearly to the patient to alleviate potential embarrassment or anxiety. Ensure their privacy by closing doors and drawing curtains. Adjust the height of the bed to a comfortable working level for the caregiver to prevent back strain, then lower the head of the bed to a flat or nearly flat position.
Positioning Techniques
For individuals who can bend their knees and lift their hips slightly, the lifting method is used. After asking the patient to push up, slide your non-dominant hand under their lower back for gentle support. Guide the bedpan under the patient’s buttocks with the wider, rounded end positioned toward the patient’s head.
If the patient cannot lift their hips, such as after a hip replacement or fracture, the rolling method is necessary. Gently roll the patient onto their side, away from you, keeping their knees slightly bent. Place the bedpan firmly against their buttocks, pressing down slightly into the mattress, then roll the patient back onto the bedpan. This technique requires careful coordination to ensure the bedpan is centered directly beneath the buttocks to prevent spillage.
When using a standard bedpan, the wide end must be placed under the buttocks. A fracture pan is shallower and designed for patients who cannot lift their hips much. For a fracture pan, the flat, shallow end goes under the patient, and the handle points toward the foot of the bed. After the bedpan is securely in place, raise the head of the bed to a semi-Fowler’s position (30 to 45 degrees) to facilitate voiding and defecation.
Safe Removal and Cleanup
Once the patient has finished, lower the head of the bed to a flat position for bedpan removal. If the patient can lift their hips, ask them to raise their lower half while you firmly grasp the bedpan and slide it out. If the patient is unable to lift, roll them gently to the side, away from you, while holding the bedpan securely to prevent spillage.
Immediately assist the patient with perineal care, wiping the genital and anal areas. For female patients, wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus entering the urethra, which can cause a urinary tract infection. Once the patient is clean and dry, cover the bedpan and transport it to the nearest toilet or utility room for disposal.
Empty the contents into the toilet, taking care to avoid splashing, and then flush. If the facility uses a dedicated bedpan washer-disinfector, follow those instructions. Otherwise, thoroughly rinse the bedpan with water before cleaning it with a disinfectant. Discard your gloves and perform hand hygiene to complete the procedure.