A bedpan is a receptacle used to collect urine and feces from individuals unable to leave their bed for toileting. This equipment is commonly used in healthcare settings and at home for patients recovering from surgery, managing long-term illnesses, or experiencing severe mobility limitations. Proper technique when assisting a female patient with a bedpan promotes comfort, maintains skin integrity, and supports hygiene, which helps to prevent infections.
Selecting the Appropriate Bedpan
Bedpans come in two primary designs: the standard bedpan and the fracture or slipper bedpan. The standard model is deeper and rounder, resembling a small basin, which can be difficult for many patients to position themselves upon. The fracture bedpan is typically the preferred choice for women and individuals with hip or back issues, as it features a significantly lower profile on one side. This lower, tapered edge allows it to slide more easily under the buttocks with minimal lifting, reducing strain and discomfort during placement. Utilizing the correct bedpan type based on the patient’s physical condition can significantly improve the experience and reduce the risk of skin shearing or pressure injuries.
Safe Placement and Positioning Techniques
Before placing the bedpan, the caregiver should ensure the patient is positioned comfortably and that the bed linens are protected from potential soiling. There are two primary methods for initial placement, depending on the patient’s ability to move their body.
For a patient who can slightly turn, the rolling technique is often used. The patient rolls onto their side, away from the caregiver, who then places the bedpan firmly against the buttocks. Ensure the wider, open end is positioned directly under the patient’s perineum to catch both urine and feces. The patient is then gently rolled back onto the bedpan, centering their body weight over the device.
If the patient can lift their hips slightly, the lifting method involves the patient bending their knees and pushing down with their heels as the caregiver slides the bedpan underneath.
The bedpan must be securely positioned so that the patient’s buttocks rest on the rim, and the perineum is centered over the basin opening to prevent leaks. After the pan is correctly aligned, the head of the bed should be elevated to a semi-Fowler’s position, approximately 30 to 45 degrees, if medically permissible. This slight upright position mimics the natural posture of elimination and uses gravity to facilitate the process.
Protocol for Use and Removal
After the bedpan is placed, privacy should be provided by drawing curtains or closing the door, allowing the patient to eliminate without distraction. The caregiver should ensure that toilet paper and a call bell are within easy reach and should wait nearby, responding promptly to the call signal. The patient should be given adequate time to complete the process without feeling rushed.
Once the patient has finished, the head of the bed must be lowered back down to a flat or near-flat position before attempting to remove the device. This flattening is necessary to reduce the angle of the bedpan and prevent the contents from spilling. The removal process mirrors the placement: the patient can either lift their hips or be rolled gently off the pan.
As the patient is lifted or rolled to the side, the caregiver must grasp the bedpan firmly and slide it out slowly and horizontally, keeping the contents level. The bedpan should then be covered immediately to manage odors and discreetly carried away for disposal of the waste.
Post-Use Care and Cleaning
Following the removal of the bedpan, immediate perineal care is necessary to maintain skin integrity and prevent infection, which is especially important for female patients. The patient’s genital and rectal areas must be thoroughly cleaned, using a systematic approach of wiping from the front toward the back. This front-to-back direction prevents the transfer of bacteria from the anus to the urethra, causing urinary tract infections in women.
The cleaned area must then be gently patted dry to prevent skin maceration caused by excessive moisture.
The waste in the bedpan should be emptied into the toilet or a designated disposal unit. The bedpan requires careful sanitization, typically involving a thorough rinse with cold water followed by washing with detergent and hot water or soaking in a disinfectant solution. The equipment should be allowed to air dry completely before being stored for future use.