Manual of Policies and Procedures for Wade Nursing Registry

Giving a Sitz Bath

Material needed:

• Soap
• Washcloth
• Bath towels
• Straight chair, if needed
• Bath chair, if used
• Slide board, if used
• Skid-proof bath mat
• Personal articles ( deodorant, body powder, lotion )
• Clean clothing

Procedure:

1. Explain what you are going to do
2. Wash your hands
3. Obtain materials above needed
4. Prepare bathroom by: placing skid-proof mat on bottom of tub; making sure room is warm and free of drafts; placing straight chair in bathroom; placing bath chair in tub; and bringing slide board, if used, to tub
5. Provide privacy (close door, pull curtains)
6. Help client to undress, put on bathrobe and footwear. Place client in wheelchair, if used. Lock brakes and put footrest in place
7. Fill tub one-third full of warm water
8. Help client to bathroom and close door
9. Place client in chair facing tub. If using wheelchair, lock brakes and place footrest out of the way
10. Help client to lift one foot, then the other, over the side of the tub
11. When bath chair is used: have client hold onto grasp bars while sliding off the chair to side of tub. If a slide board is used: help client to slide from surface of wheelchair to surface of bath chair in tub. When bath chair is NOT used: have client hold onto grab bars while sliding off the chair to the side of the tub. Help client to lower into water, using grab bars for support
12. Help client to bathe as needed
13. Drain water from tub before getting client out of tub
14. Help client to dry body. Assist client to put on bathrobe or cover with dry towel
15. Place straight chair or wheelchair facing tub and place dry towel on side of tub
16. Help client to sit on towel on side of tub using the grab bars
17. Help client to stand, get out of tub into straight chair or wheelchair, and put on footwear
18. Help client to room
19. Give back rub
20. Help client to put on clean clothing and return to bed, sofa, etc. Place in comfortable position with good body alignment
21. Make sure client is safe and comfortable
22. Return to bathroom. Clean tub and straighten area
23. Place soiled towels and washcloth in laundry container to be washed
24. Wash your hands
25. Record what you have done. Report any unusual conditions noted