Bed Bath
DEFINITION
TYPES OF THERAPEUTIC BATH
Bed bath means bathing a patient who is confined to bed and
cannot have the physical and mental capability of self-bathing
Sitz bath
Cleanses and reduces inflammation of perineal and anal areas of
a client who has undergone rectal or perineal surgery or
childbirth, or who has local irritation from hemorrhoids or
fissures. The client sits in a special tub or basin.
Bath is the act of cleaning the body. Baths are given for
therapeutic purposes ( To cleanse body of dirt, debris and
perspiration)
CATEGORIES OF BED BATH
Cleansing bath
usually given early in the morning before scheduled tests or
procedures. The type of cleansing bath a nurse provides
depends on the client’s physical capabilities and the degree of
hygiene required.
Therapeutic bath
are generally ordered by physicians for a specific therapeutic
effect.
TYPES OF CLEANSING BATH
Complete bed bath
Administered to clients who are totally dependent. The nurse
gives the bath with the client in bed.
Partial bed bath
Consists of bathing only body parts that would cause
discomfort if left unbathed. It is the act of cleaning particular
areas in the body part. They are face, axilla, and genitalia,
upper and lower limbs.
Tub bath
The client is immersed into a tub of water. The tub bath
allows more thorough washing and rinsing than a bed bath.
Client may still require the nurse’s assistance. There are tubs
available to lift dependent clients into the water.
COMPLETE BED BATH VS PARTIAL BED BATH
Complete bed bath involves washing the entire body and
partial bed bath involves washing the face, hand, leg,
underarms and genital/perineal area.
Tepid sponge or cooling bath
Client is immersed in a tub or sponged with tepid water, especially
effective in reducing client’s body temperature. Tepid water (37 C)
prevents sudden heat loss and chilling.
Medicated baths (oatmeal, cornstarch, sodium bicarbonate, Burow’s
solution)
Aid in the relief of skin irritation and create an antibacterial and
drying effect. Oatmeal has added effect of softening and lubricating
the skin.
Shower
Clients sit or stand under a continuous stream of water. The shower
provides more thorough cleansing than a bed bath.
INDICATIONS
Types of patients needing bed bath
Unconscious or semiconscious patients
Postoperative patients
Patients with strict bed rest
Paraplegic patients
Orthopedic patients in plaster – cast and traction
Seriously ill patients
Mentally ill patient
PURPOSES
1. Cleanse the skin
2. Stimulate circulation
3. Improve client self-image
4. Promote exercise through joint range of motion (ROM)
Bed Bath
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
1. Clients with breathing difficulties require a pillow or elevated head of bed during
bath.
2. Avoid placing soap in washbasin; avoids soapy rinse water.
3. Adolescents may require more frequent bathing as a result of active sebaceous
glands. Elderly may require less frequent baths, more frequent application of skin
lotion, or use of bath oils.
4. Diabetic clients require special attention to foot care.
5. Conditions placing clients at risk for falls in bath tub include neurologic impairment,
arthritis, muscular disease or weakness, amputation, and poor balance or coordination
in elderly clients.
6. Instruct elderly or other clients with reduced sensation on how to check temperature
of water.
7. Instruct clients on how to inspect surfaces between skin folds for signs of irritation or
breakdown.
8. Critically ill patients often need to be bathed in stages.
9. To remove the gown from a patient with an IV line, take the gown off the uninvolved
arm first and then thread the IV tubing and bottle or bag through the arm of the gown.
10. When bathing an infant or young child, have supplies within easy reach and support
or hold the child securely at all times to ensure safety. Never leave the child alone.
11. Check the temperature of the water carefully before bathing an older patient,
because sensitivity to temperature may be impaired in older persons.