A bedpan is a medical device used as a receptacle for urine and feces when an individual is unable to leave their bed due to injury, illness, or limited mobility. Using a bedpan helps bed-confined patients maintain personal hygiene, reduce the risk of infections like urinary tract infections, and prevent skin issues such as pressure ulcers.
The application of a bedpan must prioritize the patient’s comfort and emotional well-being. Maintaining privacy and dignity is paramount, as the process can often be a source of discomfort or embarrassment. Proper technique minimizes emotional distress and upholds the patient’s respect while ensuring sanitation and safety.
Essential Preparation and Supplies
The caregiver must gather all necessary supplies before starting to avoid interruptions. The bedpan can be a standard size or a smaller, lower-profile fracture pan. Fracture pans are designed for patients who cannot lift their hips high, such as those with hip fractures or recent hip replacements.
The caregiver should secure personal protective equipment, primarily disposable gloves, and ensure a means for hand hygiene, such as soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer. Other supplies include toilet paper or disposable wipes for cleansing, and a protective underpad, sometimes called a chuck, to place beneath the patient to prevent soiling the bed linens in case of spills.
Prior to physically touching the patient, privacy must be ensured by closing the room door, pulling curtains, or using a privacy blanket. The bed should be adjusted to a comfortable working height for the caregiver to follow proper ergonomic principles and prevent back strain.
Step-by-Step Placement Techniques
The physical placement of the bedpan depends on the patient’s mobility level. For patients who can assist minimally, the rolling technique is the preferred and gentlest approach. The caregiver first lowers the side rail and helps the patient turn onto their side, rolling toward the opposite side of the bed.
With the patient positioned on their side, the caregiver places the protective underpad beneath the patient’s hips and buttocks. The bedpan is then firmly positioned against the patient’s buttocks, ensuring the open, wider end is correctly aligned to receive waste. The caregiver supports the bedpan while gently assisting the patient to roll back onto their back, centering them on the pan.
For patients who can lift their hips but cannot roll, they must bend their knees and push with their feet. The caregiver slides one hand under the patient’s lower back to support and gently lift the hips, while using the other hand to slide the bedpan underneath. Once the bedpan is in place, the head of the bed should be raised to at least a 30-degree angle, or a semi-Fowler’s position, as this alignment facilitates elimination.
The bedpan’s edges must be snug against the body to prevent misalignment and potential leaks. A pillow can be placed under the lumbar area for additional comfort and support during use. Before leaving the patient, the caregiver must confirm the call bell is within easy reach and provide toilet paper, allowing the patient to signal when they are finished.
Safe Removal and Post-Procedure Care
Once the patient indicates they are finished, the caregiver should don a new pair of disposable gloves. The head of the bed must be lowered back to a flat position before attempting to remove the pan, which reduces the risk of spillage. The removal technique generally mirrors the placement method, requiring the caregiver to stabilize the bedpan while the patient moves off of it.
If the rolling method was used, the caregiver holds the bedpan securely against the patient’s hip while gently assisting them to roll away. For patients who can lift their hips, the caregiver supports the hips while carefully sliding the bedpan straight out from underneath. The protective underpad is typically removed at the same time as the bedpan to contain any potential mess.
The next step involves providing perineal care to clean the patient thoroughly, wiping from front to back to prevent the introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract. Disposable wipes or a warm, moist washcloth can be used for this cleansing, making sure the skin is dried completely afterward.
The contents of the bedpan must be emptied immediately into the toilet, and the bedpan should be rinsed out with cool water and a disinfectant solution. The soiled underpad and gloves are disposed of properly, and the patient is repositioned comfortably and safely in bed. The caregiver should perform hand hygiene once all steps are complete.