A bedpan is a receptacle used to collect urine and feces from patients who cannot safely or comfortably leave their bed to use a toilet. Proper placement and orientation are paramount to preventing spillage and maintaining skin integrity. Utilizing a bedpan requires specific knowledge of its design and careful procedural steps to ensure patient comfort and safety.
Understanding Bedpan Design and Orientation
The proper direction of a bedpan depends on the specific type: standard or fracture. A standard bedpan is contoured, resembling a toilet seat with a wide, deep end and a narrower, shallower end. The wider, more deeply contoured portion is positioned under the patient’s buttocks and sacrum, facing the head of the bed. This scoop-like shape accommodates the body’s curves and collects waste effectively, while the shallower end faces the patient’s feet.
A fracture bedpan has a lower-profile, wedge-like design for patients with limited mobility, such as those recovering from hip or spinal surgery. This flatter shape minimizes the required hip elevation during placement. The smaller, flatter end is placed directly under the patient’s buttocks. The higher, angled end, which often includes a handle, must be oriented toward the foot of the bed, allowing the pan to slide easily beneath a patient who must remain nearly flat.
Safe Positioning and Placement Techniques
Before placement, gather necessary supplies, including the bedpan, gloves, a protective pad, and toilet paper. Explain the procedure to the patient and ensure privacy by closing curtains or doors. The bed should be raised to a comfortable working height for the caregiver to promote proper body mechanics.
Lifting Method
For patients who retain some strength, the lifting method is employed. Ask the patient to bend their knees with their feet flat on the mattress and lift their hips on a count. The caregiver then gently slides the bedpan into position, offering support by placing a hand under the patient’s lower back to facilitate the lift.
Rolling Technique
If the patient cannot lift their hips, the rolling technique provides a safer alternative. The bed must be flat, and the caregiver turns the patient onto their side, away from the caregiver. The bedpan is firmly placed against the patient’s buttocks and held in place as the patient is gently rolled back onto the device.
Once the bedpan is centered, the head of the bed can be raised to 30 to 45 degrees (semi-Fowler’s position). This angle simulates a natural sitting posture, utilizing gravity to aid in elimination. Ensure the patient is fully centered over the pan opening to prevent skin contact with waste and reduce spillage.
Proper Removal and Post-Use Care
When the patient is finished, the head of the bed must be lowered to a flat position before removal to prevent injury during movement. Ask the patient to lift their hips or roll to the side, similar to the placement process. The caregiver holds the bedpan level with both hands, supporting the weight, and carefully withdraws it from beneath the patient. Remove the bedpan slowly and deliberately to prevent contents from shifting or spilling onto the linens.
Immediate perineal care is performed to maintain hygiene and prevent skin breakdown. Wiping must be done from front to back to prevent introducing microorganisms into the urinary tract. After cleansing with toilet paper and moist wipes, gently pat the area dry, as moisture can lead to irritation.
The bedpan’s contents are then emptied into a toilet or designated disposal unit; output can be measured before disposal if necessary. The bedpan must be thoroughly rinsed and disinfected according to facility protocols before being stored.