A bedpan is a receptacle designed to allow an individual to urinate or defecate while lying or sitting in bed, typically due to limited mobility, illness, injury, or post-surgical recovery. Bedpans come in various forms, including the standard pan with a deeper bowl and the fracture pan, which is flatter and easier to slide under a person who cannot lift their hips. Proper use helps maintain patient hygiene and reduces the risk of falls associated with attempting to reach a bathroom unassisted. This process requires sensitivity and attention to detail, focusing on both comfort and sanitation.
Essential Preparation and Supplies
Before approaching the person, gather all necessary supplies to ensure a smooth and efficient process. These items include the clean bedpan, disposable gloves, toilet paper or wet wipes, and an absorbent pad or waterproof sheet to protect the bed linens from spills. Having a basin of warm water and soap nearby for subsequent hand hygiene is also beneficial.
If using a metal bedpan, slightly warm it under running warm water before use, as cold temperatures can be jarring and uncomfortable. Ensure the bedpan is dry after warming to prevent dampness. For added comfort, sprinkling the edges with talcum powder can help the pan slide more easily under the person’s body.
Prioritizing the person’s dignity is paramount, requiring complete privacy before beginning the procedure. Closing curtains, shutting the door, or using a privacy screen helps create a respectful environment. Explaining the upcoming steps clearly and patiently before any physical contact helps the person feel more comfortable and prepared.
Step-by-Step Technique for Placement and Use
The method for placing the bedpan depends on the person’s ability to move their lower body. If the person can lift their hips slightly, ask them to bend their knees with their feet flat on the mattress. The caregiver, wearing gloves, then supports the lower back with one hand while sliding the bedpan’s curved edge under the person’s buttocks with the other.
For individuals who cannot lift their hips, use a rolling technique to place the bedpan safely. Roll the person gently onto their side, turning them away from the caregiver. Place the bedpan firmly against the person’s buttocks, ensuring the open end points toward the feet.
While holding the bedpan securely to prevent shifting, gently roll the person back onto their back, positioning them directly onto the pan. Once positioned, the head of the bed should be raised to a semi-Fowler’s position (at least 30 degrees), if medically permissible. This upright position mimics the natural posture for elimination and facilitates the process.
During use, ensure the person has the call bell and toilet tissue within easy reach. If the person can safely be left alone, stepping out provides privacy while remaining nearby to respond to the call bell. Return promptly when signaled to minimize the time the person spends lying on the hard surface of the pan, which can quickly become uncomfortable.
Post-Use Hygiene and Equipment Cleanup
Once the person signals they are finished, lower the bed slightly to reduce the risk of spillage during removal. Stabilize the bedpan while asking the person to lift their hips or assisting them to roll off the pan, reversing the placement technique. Immediately cover the removed bedpan, perhaps with a disposable paper towel or lid, to contain odors and prevent contamination during transport.
Assisting with personal hygiene involves wiping the area thoroughly, moving from front to back (especially for females) to prevent the transfer of bacteria. Use wet wipes or a warm washcloth for cleaning, followed by a dry towel to ensure the skin is completely dry. Drying the skin is necessary because excess moisture can lead to skin breakdown and pressure injuries.
Before cleaning the bedpan, inspect the skin for any signs of redness or irritation. Empty the contents carefully into a toilet or a designated sluice hopper, and flush immediately. The bedpan must then be rinsed with cool water to remove residual waste before being cleaned with a detergent or disinfectant solution. Finally, remove soiled gloves and perform meticulous hand hygiene to prevent infection spread.