A standard bedpan is a receptacle used for elimination when a person is confined to a bed and unable to reach a toilet. The fracture bedpan is a specialized variation designed to address the challenges of toileting for patients with specific injuries or mobility limitations. It allows individuals to void or defecate without the extensive body movement required by a traditional bedpan. This device provides a necessary solution for bedridden patients by minimizing movement, which is important to recovery and comfort.
Design and Indications for Use
The fracture bedpan’s design features a low-profile, tapered shape that is much shallower at one end. This flat, thin rim slides easily under the patient’s buttocks without requiring them to lift their hips high off the mattress. The pan usually includes a handle on the higher end, positioned toward the patient’s feet to assist the caregiver during placement and removal. This contouring is designed to reduce pressure points and increase patient comfort during a process that can be awkward.
The primary indication for using this specialized pan is any condition that prevents the patient from lifting their hips or rolling over easily. This includes recovering from a hip fracture or following hip replacement surgery. It is also used for individuals with spinal injuries, severe arthritis, or any condition where movement of the lower back or hips must be minimized to prevent pain or further injury. The device ensures that toileting can occur while the patient remains in a flat or semi-supine position, protecting surgical sites or unstable skeletal structures.
Proper Placement and Removal Technique
Safe placement requires the caregiver to first gather necessary supplies like gloves, toilet paper, and a waterproof pad to protect the linens. The caregiver should explain the procedure to the patient and ensure privacy is maintained. The bed is typically raised to a comfortable working height for the caregiver, and the patient is rolled onto their side, facing away from the caregiver.
With the patient on their side, the caregiver gently slides the flat end of the fracture bedpan underneath the buttocks, aligning the pan so the patient will be centered on it when they roll back. The pan’s flat rim minimizes the force and lift required to position the patient. Once the bedpan is in place, the patient is gently rolled back onto the pan. The head of the bed may be slightly raised to a semi-sitting position if the patient’s condition allows, as this facilitates a more natural elimination posture.
Removal requires a reversal of the placement process, ensuring the patient is rolled off the bedpan rather than lifted. The patient is first returned to a flat position. The caregiver rolls the patient away from them, holding the bedpan firmly to prevent spillage. The pan is then removed, and the patient’s perineal area is cleaned before they are gently rolled back to a comfortable position. This careful technique helps prevent pain and potential injury to the patient.
Essential Caregiver and Hygiene Tips
After the fracture bedpan is used and removed, the caregiver must address both hygiene and patient comfort. The contents should be emptied into a toilet or designated receptacle, and the device must be rinsed and thoroughly cleaned with a hospital-grade disinfectant after each use. Reusable bedpans made of plastic or stainless steel require meticulous cleaning to prevent the harboring of microorganisms.
The patient’s personal hygiene is equally important, requiring the caregiver to assist with perineal care, cleaning from front to back to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. Since bedridden patients are at risk for skin breakdown, use a soft towel to dry the skin completely after cleaning. Inspect the patient’s sacral area for any signs of redness or pressure sores. Offering the patient a washcloth and soap to clean their hands promotes dignity.