unit 24
DESCRIPTION
Unit 24. Patient Bathing. Objectives. Spell and define terms. Describe the safety precautions for patient bathing. List the purposes of bathing patients. State the value of whirlpool baths. Introduction. A daily bath is as important for the patient as it is for you - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Unit 24
Patient Bathing
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Objectives
• Spell and define terms.• Describe the safety precautions for
patient bathing.• List the purposes of bathing patients.• State the value of whirlpool baths.
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Introduction
• A daily bath is as important for the patient as it is for you
• Following a bath, a patient feels relaxed, clean, and refreshed
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Waterless Bath
• Waterless bathing– Some facilities are taking this new
approach to bathing – It may also be called basinless bathing or
bag bath
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Whirlpool Bath
• The most stimulating form of bathing for patients– Therapeutic bath given in a whirlpool tub
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Whirlpool Bath
• The whirlpool – Has a specific procedure for disinfecting
the tub – This ensures the disinfectant circulates
through the internal jets • Know and follow your facility
procedures carefully
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Whirlpool Bath
• The whirlpool can act as a fomite and spread pathogens to many individuals
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Patient Bathing
• Nursing assistants are frequently assigned to bathe patients
• It is important to follow the guidelines and procedures for bathing carefully to ensure patient comfort and safety
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Patient Bathing
• In most facilities– The patient should not be left alone in the
bathtub– Know and follow your facility policies for
tub baths
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Dignity and Modesty
• Keep the patient warm during bathing• Drape the patient with a bath blanket
– As appropriate before, during, and after bathing procedure
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Dignity and Modesty
• This is an important dignity issue that should not be forgotten
• When a shower chair is used:– Cover the patient’s perineum with a towel
during the tub bath, whirlpool bath, and shower
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Cultural Beliefs• Affect patients’ bathing preferences• Always show respect for patients’:
– Cultural beliefs– Privacy concerns regarding touching the body– Gender difference– Personal hygiene and peri care after toileting– Keeping the body covered– Wearing clothing with religious significance
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Cultural Beliefs
• Learn about accepted ways to show respect
• Work on building a relationship of trust with each patient
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Safety Measures for Special Treatments
• Patients receiving special treatments can be bathed– Patient receiving an IV– Patient who has drainage tubes– Patient who is receiving oxygen
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Safety Measures for Special Treatments
• Patients with casts may shower if the cast is covered with a plastic bag
• These patients, however, need special care
• Follow the care plan and nurse’s instructions
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Perineal Care
• Perineum – Area between the legs– In females
• Area between vagina and anus– In males
• Area between scrotum and anus
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Perineal Care
• Perineal care – To wash the area including genitals and
anus
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Infection Control Issues
• When using liquid soap from a wall dispenser:– Dispense soap into a small cup and carry it
to the bedside– Pour the liquid soap onto the washcloth as
needed
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Infection Control Issues
• If refillable liquid soap bottles are used:– Each patient should have a bottle labeled
with his or her name– Soap is used for that patient only
• Once a towel has been used below the waist:– Avoid using it above the waist
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Infection Control Issues
• Hang the hand held shower spray on the hook when not in use
• Do not let it hang down or touch the floor– Which is always considered dirty
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Bathing Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
• Bathing is often upsetting for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
• Signs of distress are:– Increased motor activity– Change in tone of voice– Screaming or fighting
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Bathing Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
• Patient may perceive being disrobed and having the body handled as a form of sexual assault
• Patient's behavior – Reveals no tolerance for methods being
used for bathing and/or hygiene
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Bathing Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
• He or she is using the only means available to ask you to find another, less traumatic way of doing it.
• Consider a bag bath, towel bath, or partial bath
• Bathing should never be traumatic • Be flexible and considerate
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Towel Bath
• Used for patients with dementia who are distressed by a tub or shower bath
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Towel Bath
• Bathing environment should be considered:– Darkening the room slightly may be helpful– Play soothing music– Use products with a pleasant aroma on the
patient and in the environment
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Towel Bath
• Goal for this bath is to keep the patient clean and odor free– While avoiding a situation that is potentially
upsetting to the patient • Respect the patient’s autonomy
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Towel Bath
• Use a variety of techniques to personalize the bath to make it as pleasant as possible
• Type of bath is more creative than other baths– But is not more work, and does not take
more time
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Towel Bath
• Bathe patient with a kit prepared for this purpose, using:– No-rinse skin cleanser– 2 washcloths– 2 hand towels– 1 large towel– 2 bath blankets
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Towel Bath
• Cover the patient with a warm bath blanket– Gradually undress him or her under the
blanket• Cleanse the body by placing warm,
moist towels with no-rinse cleanser under the blanket
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Towel Bath
• Use whatever bathing sequence that is comfortable for the patient
• Avoid rushing• Speak in a calm, soothing manner• Replace the blankets and towels as
needed to keep the patient warm
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
• Washing a cognitively impaired patient’s hair under running water can also be very upsetting
• Try washing the hair with a/an:– Bed shampoo tray– Inflatable shampoo basin– Shampoo cap– Dry shampoo product
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Dressing a Patient
• Patients in hospitals generally wear hospital gowns because they are in bed most of the time
• Some patients prefer to wear their own nightgowns or pajamas – They will need assistance in dressing