A fracture bedpan is a specialized device designed to assist individuals who require help with elimination but cannot safely raise their hips. This limitation often arises from orthopedic injuries, such as a hip fracture, or following surgeries that restrict lower body movement. Unlike a standard bedpan, this low-profile tool prevents the need for significant lifting. Its primary purpose is to allow bedridden patients to void or defecate with minimal physical strain and maximum dignity. Utilizing this device effectively requires careful preparation and adherence to specific techniques to ensure both patient comfort and safety.
The Fracture Bedpan: Design and Necessary Supplies
The fracture bedpan features a distinct low, flat end that resembles a wedge or shovel, allowing it to slide easily beneath a patient’s buttocks, setting it apart from the deeper, more rounded traditional pan. This shallow profile minimizes the vertical distance the patient must be lifted or maneuvered, which is paramount for those with restricted mobility. The opposite end is typically higher and often includes a handle for the caregiver to manage placement and removal.
Before approaching the patient, a caregiver must gather all necessary supplies to ensure a smooth and efficient procedure. This preparation includes securing personal protective equipment, primarily disposable gloves, to maintain hygiene standards. A waterproof protective pad or chux should be available to place under the patient to safeguard the linens against accidental spillage.
Supplies should include toilet paper, disposable wipes for perineal care, and a towel or blanket for modesty. Since bedpans are often made of plastic or metal that can feel cold against the skin, warm the pan slightly with running warm water and then dry it thoroughly. This simple action significantly increases patient comfort and helps facilitate relaxation during use.
Safe Placement and Removal Technique
Safe placement begins with clear communication, explaining each step to the patient to build trust and cooperation. The bed should be adjusted to a comfortable working height for the caregiver, and the patient should be positioned lying flat on their back if their condition allows. If the patient is able to bend their knees and lift their hips slightly, the caregiver can support the lower back while gently sliding the flat, thin edge of the bedpan beneath the buttocks.
However, the fracture bedpan is most often used for patients who cannot lift their hips at all, requiring a careful rolling technique. The caregiver should first roll the patient gently onto their side, turning them away from the caregiver. The protective pad is positioned beneath the patient’s hips and buttocks at this point to protect the bed linens.
The fracture bedpan is placed firmly against the patient’s buttocks, with the flat, low rim aligned under the sacrum and the handle pointing toward the foot of the bed. The caregiver must hold the bedpan securely while gently rolling the patient back onto the pan. Once centered, the head of the bed can be cautiously elevated to a semi-Fowler’s position, usually about 30 degrees, if permitted by the patient’s medical status, as this position encourages a more natural squatting posture.
Removing the bedpan requires precision to prevent spillage and patient injury. The head of the bed must first be lowered until the patient is lying flat again. The caregiver then asks the patient to roll away, or performs the roll while stabilizing the bedpan firmly to ensure the contents do not shift or spill. The bedpan is carefully withdrawn once the patient is off of it, and the soiled protective pad is removed simultaneously.
Hygiene and Patient Comfort Guidelines
After the bedpan is removed, attention must turn to patient cleanliness and comfort to prevent skin irritation and infection. The caregiver must perform perineal care, ensuring the area is thoroughly cleaned using warm, disposable wipes or a washcloth and soap. Wiping should always be done from front to back, particularly with female patients, to prevent the transfer of bacteria from the anal region to the urinary tract.
Once the patient is clean and dry, the caregiver should inspect the skin around the patient’s sacrum and hips for any signs of redness, pressure marks, or skin breakdown that may have occurred during the process. The protective pad is then taken away, and the patient is assisted back into a comfortable, safe position with the bed linens smoothed and tucked. Providing a fresh towel and warm water for the patient to wash their hands immediately helps restore a sense of self-sufficiency and hygiene.
The soiled bedpan must be promptly emptied into the designated receptacle and then thoroughly rinsed. Disinfecting the pan is a necessary step in infection control, which involves washing it with a hospital-grade cleanser and then drying it before storing it for future use. Maintaining patient dignity is crucial; this includes ensuring privacy by closing curtains or doors and offering a brief, respectful moment alone after the pan is placed, if the patient can be safely left unattended.