How to Partially Bathe a Patient:
Supplies:
6 Washcloths
2 Towels
Gown
Soap
Lotion
2 Basins
Gloves
Steps:
Knock on the patient's door, and then enter
Greet the patient by name, introduce yourself and what you’re doing
Provide for privacy by shutting the curtains
Wash your hands
Check the patient's ID to confirm their identity
Gather your supplies
Cover the tray table with a towel
Check the water temperature and fill each basin with 1 inch of water
Place basins on the tray table and put the washcloths in the basins
Raise the patient into a sitting position
Check the water temperature with wrist and dry on barrier towel
Clean eyes and face with no soap
Using one corner of the washcloth for each eye stroke from the inside to the outside of the eye
Place the washcloth in the basin and pat the patient’s face dry with a clean washcloth
Remove the patient's gown and cover with a blanket
Remember to never leave the patient exposed, towels should cover them from their toes to their shoulders
Place the towel over their chest, lather washcloth with soap, and repeat the cleaning process on their neck
Cleaning from the middle out, using a different side of the washcloth for each stroke
Rinse neck with same process and pat dry
Place towel under one arm laying on the bed
Wring out cloth and lather with a small amount of soap, make a glove with washcloth
Support the patient's arm under the elbow
Using long strokes wipe the top of the arm with the front part of glove
Using long strokes wipe the underarm with the backside of the glove, and the armpit with the fingertip edge of the glove
Repeat the cleaning process on the other arm with the washcloth from the rinsed basin
Pull down the bath blanket and place towel over the naval
Use a cleaning and rinsing process on the chest, making circular strokes on each each side of the chest with a different side of the glove
Rinse properly, pat dry, and cover the patient with a blanket
Ask the patient to roll onto their side and place the towel along side of their back
To clean their back, use circular strokes on each side of the back, using a different side of the washcloth glove
Rinse properly, and pat dry
Ask the patient if they would like a back massage and if lotion is okay
Place a small amount of lotion in hands and rub together, in order to warm it
Rub the patient's back in a circular motion starting at the lower back and working up, pat dry any excess lotion
Remove towel and have the patient roll back into the lying position
Put on a clean gown and place dirty linens in the hamper
Pour water into sink, rinse twice, and pat dry with a clean paper towel
Using a clean paper towel as a barrier, put away basins, soaps, and lotion
Remove gloves and wash hands
Place the call light in the patient’s hand and ask how they would like the head of their bed
Close the curtains
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