Definition
Assisting a patient with the use of bedpan is a fundamental nursing skill that promotes dignity, hygiene, and comfort for individuals who are bedridden or have limited mobility.
Types
- Regular bedpan
- Fracture bedpan
Purposes
- To facilitate bowel and bladder elimination in a bedridden patient.
- To collect specimen
- To give perineal wash.
- To perform bowel and bladder training patient.
Articles
- Disposable gloves (clean).
- Clean bedpan with lid (2 bedpans may be needed in case of specimen collection).
- Toilet tissues.
- Specimen container(optional).
- Wash clothes.
- Towels.
- Draw sheets.
- Soap.
- Warm water in a jug.
- Mackintosh.
Procedure
| Nursing actions | Rationale | |
| 1. | Before procedure Assess patient’s normal bowel elimination habits, routine pattern, of certain foods on bowel elimination and normal fluid intake. | |
| 2. | Assess patient’s level of mobility, amount of assistance required, and positions that the patient can assume. | Determines the type of bedpan to be used and helps in identifying level of assistance required from the nurse. |
| 3. | Assess for abdominal pain, hemorrhoids or irritation of skin surrounding anus. | Pain can reduce ability of the patient to bear down during defecation. |
| 4. | During procedure Wash hands and don gloves. Protect bed sheets with the help of mackintosh or large bath towel. | Reduces transmission of microorganisms. Prevents spillage. |
| 5. | Provide privacy. Remove top sheet just enough, so they are out of the way but do not unduly expose patient. | Reduces embarrassment and promotes normal bowel movement. |
| 6. | Warm bedpan under warm running water for few seconds and dry and keep it within reach. Pour just enough water to cover the bottom of bedpan. | Warm pan helps to relax anal sphincter. Helps in easy cleaning of the bedpan after use. |
| 7. | Position bed to convenient height. | Ensures use of good body mechanics and prevents strain on back. |
| 8. | Elevate side rails on opposite side. Position the clean bedpan just next to the patient. | Reduces the risk of accidental falls. Positioning the bedpan as close as possible before moving the patient will cause less strain to the patient. |
| 9. | In patients who can move lower limbs, ask patient to flex knees, resting the weight on back or legs and then raise the buttocks at a count of three (with the help of a trapeze if available). | These movements will allow patient to support some of his weight himself and avoid inconvenience. |
| 10. | Place a regular bedpan under patient with the smooth rounded rim under the patient’s buttocks. If a fracture bedpan is used, place it with flat low end under the patient’s buttocks. If patient is not able to move, obtain assistance from another nurse to lift the patient onto the bedpan. or Position the patient to side-lying position, place bedpan against buttocks and roll patient onto the bedpan, back to supine position. | |
| 11. | Elevate patient’s bed to semi-Fowler’s position (if permitted) or support patient’s back with pillows. | Elevating head end allows for a more normal position. Placing pillows at lumbar curvature prevents hyperextension of the back. |
| 12. | Cover patient with bed linen and permit patient to be alone with call bell within reach. Elevate side rails. | Promotes the dignity of the patient. |
| 13. | When removing bedpan return bed to the position used when giving bedpan. Hold bedpan steady, remove it, cover it and place it away. | |
| 14. | If patient can help by himself, provide tissues to wipe or alternatively place a second bedpan and pour water. So that patient can clean himself. | |
| 15. | If patient is totally helpless, provide perineal and anal care. | |
| 16. | Provide soap and water for the patient to clean his hands and dry hands thoroughly. | |
| 17. | Send bedpan to sluice room. | |
| 18. | After procedure Remove gloves and wash hands. | |
| 19. | Position the patient comfortably, change linen if wet. | |
| 20. | Record the procedure. |
Special Considerations
- Warm the bedpan slightly to reduce discomfort.
- Never leave a weak or confused patient unattended.
- Avoid overexposing the patient—use a bath blanket for modesty.
- Observe for signs of discomfort, skin breakdown, or abnormal stool/urine.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884.
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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