A bedpan is a receptacle designed to collect urine and feces from a person confined to a bed when a toilet is inaccessible. This device is commonly used for individuals with severely limited mobility, such as those recovering from major surgery, prolonged illness, or sustaining a severe injury like a hip fracture. Using a bedpan safely and comfortably requires careful preparation and technique to ensure the patient’s hygiene, dignity, and skin integrity are maintained. The goal is to simulate a natural toileting position to facilitate effective elimination and prevent complications like pressure ulcers.
Selecting the Proper Equipment and Preparation
The choice of bedpan depends largely on the user’s condition and mobility level. A standard bedpan is contoured and resembles a toilet seat, working best for individuals who can lift their hips significantly off the bed. For those with limited hip movement, such as patients with a hip fracture or lower extremity injury, a fracture pan, also called a slipper pan, is preferred because it is wedge-shaped with one flat end, making it easier to slide under the body with minimal lifting.
Before beginning the procedure, all necessary supplies should be gathered and placed within easy reach. The required items include disposable gloves, a protective pad or “chux” to shield the linen, toilet paper, wet wipes for cleansing, and a basin for hand hygiene. To increase patient comfort, a plastic or metal bedpan can be warmed by running warm tap water over it, then drying it thoroughly before placement. Closing the door or curtains to provide privacy is necessary to maintain the user’s dignity.
Technique for Patients Who Can Assist
This technique is appropriate when the patient retains enough upper body strength or leg mobility to help lift their hips. First, the bed should be flat to allow for proper hip lift, and a protective pad should be positioned beneath the patient’s buttocks. The patient is asked to bend their knees, placing their feet flat on the mattress, and use their feet and elbows to push down, raising their hips off the bed.
While the patient holds this lifted position, the caregiver slides the bedpan underneath the buttocks. For a standard bedpan, the wider, contoured end should be positioned beneath the hips, mimicking a toilet seat. Once centered, the patient is slowly assisted back down onto the pan, ensuring the skin is not pinched. The head of the bed is then raised to a semi-Fowler’s position (30 to 45 degrees) to promote a natural, seated posture that aids in elimination.
Technique for Immobile Patients
When a patient cannot lift their hips, a safe log-rolling technique must be used to place the bedpan. The bed should be adjusted to a comfortable working height for the caregiver to prevent back strain, using proper body mechanics. The head of the bed should be lowered slightly to ease the turn; the side rail on the working side should be down while the opposite rail is raised for patient security.
The patient is gently rolled onto their side, turning toward the raised side rail, which provides a secure boundary. The caregiver then firmly places the bedpan against the patient’s buttocks and hip. While holding the bedpan securely in place, the caregiver assists the patient to roll back onto their back and settle onto the bedpan. This method prevents the pan from flipping or spilling its contents. Once the patient is centered, the head of the bed can be raised to the semi-Fowler’s position to facilitate use.
Cleaning and Disposal Procedures
As soon as the patient signals they are finished, the head of the bed is lowered back to a flat position for bedpan removal. The patient is asked to lift their hips, or is gently rolled to the side, while the caregiver holds the bedpan to prevent spillage. After removal, patient hygiene, known as perineal care, is performed by wiping the area thoroughly from front to back to prevent the introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract.
The contents of the bedpan are then emptied into a toilet or a designated sluice, avoiding splashing. The bedpan must be cleaned immediately by rinsing it with water, followed by a wash with detergent and a disinfectant solution. Finally, the protective pad is removed, the patient is positioned comfortably, and the call light is placed within reach.