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Skill

Hygiene: Bed Bath

Prerequisite Skills:

Body Mechanics

Critical Element Criteria:

Students must meet criteria of Critical Elements to safely perform the skill based on evidence-based practice. Score can be pass/fail, letter grade, or point assignment. Only acceptable score for Critical Elements is 100%

Critical Elements

  • Maintain universal precautions.
  • Maintain patient safety.

Procedure

Prior to Procedure: (Critical Thinking)

  • Gather equipment: wash cloths, towels, bath blanket, basin with warm water.

Patient Interaction: (Safety)

  • Provide for privacy.
  • Explain procedure.
  • Wash hands.

Steps of the Procedure (Patient Centered Care; Infection Control)

  1. Adjust bed to working height.
  2. Position patient supine.
  3. Drape and provide privacy, prevent chilling.
  4. Remove soiled linen and patient gown.
  5. Wash patient head-to-toe and clean to dirty.
  6. Wash extremities from distal to proximal.
  7. Support joints when bathing.
  8. Rinse well if using soap.
  9. Pat dry to protect skin.
  10. Dry thoroughly between skinfolds.
  11. Change water and use clean wash cloths after washing perineal area.
  12. Apply deodorant, lotion and power as indicated.
  13. Provide back rub.
  14. When done, reposition patient to comfortable position.

After Procedure (Patient Centered Care, Safety)

  • Straighten room making patient comfortable, replace call light.
  • Wash hands before leaving room.

Documentation (Informatics, Communication)

  • Completion of task.
  • Patient"s response to procedure.