Manual of Policies and Procedures for Wade Nursing Registry

Giving a Complete Bed Bath

Material needed:

Procedure:

  1. 1. Explain what you are going to do
  2. Wash your hands
  3. Obtain material listed above
  4. Provide privacy (close door, pull curtains or shades)
  5. Raise bed to convenient working height and lock wheels. Lower rail on side where you are working
  6. Offer bed pan or urinal
  7. Lower head of bed to a level comfortable for client - as low as possible
  8. Remove top bedding and cover client with bath blanket or top sheet
  9. Help client to remove clothing, if needed
  10. Help client to move to side of bed near you
  11. Help client with oral hygiene, if needed
  12. Fill wash basin two third full with warm water
  13. Place paper towel under clients head and a towel over clients chest
  14. Make a mitt with washcloth to be used throughout procedure
  15. Wash eye area gently with clean water only. Start from inner corner of washcloth for each eye
  16. Ask client if you should use soap or cleaning cream for cleansing the face
  17. Wash face from center outward. Use firm, gentle movements
  18. Wash ears and neck. Rinse and dry using towel on clients chest
  19. Put a towel, lengthwise, under the arm and a towel near hand on which to place the wash basin
  20. Put clients hand in basin allow it to soak. Wash the arm and armpit.
  21. Wash, rinse, and dry arm, armpit, and hand. Apply deodorant under arm, if requested.
  22. Push back cuticles; clean under nails with orangewood stick. Dry between fingers thoroughly

    ** follow steps 19-22 for other arm **

  23. Place basin back on bedside table and chair
  24. Put towel over chest and abdomen. Pull bath blanket to thighs. Do not expose client when washing chest and abdomen
  25. Wash, rinse, and dry chest and abdomen. Cover chest and abdomen with bath blanket. Remove towel
  26. Uncover leg. Do not expose genital area. Place towel under the leg and foot. Place another towel near foot and put basin on towel
  27. Bend clients knee and put foot in basin; allow it to soak. Wash and dry leg while foot is soaking
  28. Wash and dry foot. Clean under toenails. Dry between toes thoroughly
  29. Repeat steps 26-28 for other leg and foot
  30. Place basin back on bedside table or chair
  31. Turn client on side; drape bath blanket to expose back and buttocks
  32. Place towel on bed, tucked lengthwise along neck and shoulders to buttocks
  33. Wash, rinse, and dry neck, shoulders, back and buttocks. Work from neck to buttocks. Use long strokes for washing the back
  34. Give back rub
  35. Change bath water
  36. Turn client on to back
  37. Place towel under buttocks. Place basin, soap, and towel within reach. Have client wash genital and rectal areas. Ask client to tell you when finished. If client is unable to wash these areas, complete this part of bath wearing disposable gloves
  38. Help client to put on gown, PJ's, or other clothings
  39. Comb or brush clients hair
  40. Make sure client is safe and comfortable
  41. Place bed in lowest position ( raise side rails if needed )
  42. Empty and clean wash basin. Wipe off work area with paper towels and discard them. Place soiled towels and washcloths in laundry container to be washed. Return other supplies to proper place
  43. Wash your hands
  44. Record what you have done. Report any unusual conditions to the family or nurse.