BED BATHING ●​ Complete Bed Bath

-​ Basin or sink with warm water should be ○​ Nurse bathes the entire body of a
(between 43°C and 46°C [110°F and dependent client in bed.​
115°F]).
●​ Self-help (Assisted) Bed Bath
○​ Client bathes themselves with
Purpose of Bathing
assistance for hard-to-reach areas (e.g.,
●​ Remove transient microorganisms,
back, feet).​
secretions, excretions, and dead skin cells
●​ Stimulate skin circulation ●​ Partial Bath
●​ Promote well-being, relaxation, and comfort ○​ Only washes key areas: face, hands,
●​ Prevent or eliminate body odor axillae, back, and perineal area to
prevent odor/discomfort.​
What to note during Bed bathing
●​ Bag Bath
●​ Physical/emotional factors (e.g., fatigue, cold ○​ Uses 10–12 disposable, no-rinse
sensitivity, anxiety, fear) washcloths. Leaves emollients on the
●​ Skin condition (color, turgor, lesions, bruises, skin. Quick and convenient.​
etc.)
●​ Presence of pain; may need analgesic before ●​ Towel Bath
bathing ○​ Uses warm, wet, soapy towels. The
●​ Joint range of motion client is covered and gradually
massaged while kept warm.​
Bathing Key Points
●​ Tub Bath
●​ Cleanses skin and stimulates circulation ○​ Easier rinsing and washing. Used when
client can safely transfer. Less work for
●​ Warm baths dilate vessels, improving blood
the nurse.
flow
●​ Shower
●​ Use long, smooth strokes from distal to ○​ For ambulatory clients with minimal
proximal assistance. May use a shower chair with
●​ Avoid vigorous rubbing in older adults or commode seat.
those on steroids/anticoagulants
●​ Promotes well-being, relaxation, and 2. Therapeutic Baths
improved self-concept
●​ Morning baths can be refreshing and Focus: Used for treatment (e.g., skin conditions,
energizing muscle pain) or may involve special solutions or
●​ Effects are more noticeable in ill patients temperatures

Note on Excessive Bathing ●​ Sitz Bath

-​ The client sits in warm water to relieve
●​ Too much bathing removes sebum, leading perineal discomfort (e.g., after childbirth
or for hemorrhoids).
to dry skin
●​ Medicated Bath
●​ Especially important in older adults, who
-​ Soothes irritated or itchy skin using
have reduced sebum production additives (e.g., baking soda, oatmeal,
bath oils).​
2 Categories of Bed Bathing Duration: 20–30 minutes. Ensure
safety with a bath mat.
1.​ Cleansing Baths

Focus: Hygiene and comfort. and removes dirt, sweat,

microorganisms, and dead skin
START: 8.​ Wash the back and provide a back
rub (if not contraindicated).​
1.​ Gather all supplies (basin with warm ➤ Rationale: Stimulates circulation and
water, soap, washcloths, towels, clean promotes relaxation.​
gown, gloves, lotion, etc.)​
➤ Rationale: Ensures smooth workflow 9.​ Wash buttocks area in a “J” shaped
and prevents leaving the patient motion​
unattended.​ ➤ Rationale: Prevents spread of
microorganisms and avoids infection.​
2.​ Perform hand hygiene and wear
gloves.​ 10.​Dry each area thoroughly and dress
➤ Rationale: Prevents the spread of the patient with a clean gown.​
infection.​ ➤ Rationale: Moisture can lead to skin
breakdown and discomfort.​
3.​ Explain the procedure to the patient
and ensure privacy (close curtains or 11.​Clean and disinfect used equipment,
doors).​ remove gloves, perform hand
➤ Rationale: Reduces anxiety and hygiene.​
maintains the patient’s dignity.​ ➤ Rationale: Prevents
cross-contamination.​
4.​ Adjust the bed height and position
the patient in a supine position.​ 12.​Document the procedure and any
➤ Rationale: Promotes body skin abnormalities noted (e.g.,
mechanics for the nurse and comfort for redness, wounds).​
the patient.​ ➤ Rationale: Ensures continuity of care
and early detection of issues.
5.​ Place a bath towel under the body
part being washed and remove the BED MAKING
gown.​
➤ Rationale: Prevents the bed from Purpose of Bed Making
getting wet and soiled.​
A. Unoccupied Bed
6.​ Start with the face — no soap, just
●​ Promote client comfort
warm water. Clean eyes from inner to
●​ Provide a clean, neat environment
outer canthus.​
●​ Ensure a smooth, wrinkle-free bed to
➤ Rationale: Prevents eye infection;
prevent skin irritation
face is sensitive and should be washed
first to keep clean water.​ B. Occupied Bed

7.​ Proceed to arms, chest, abdomen, ●​ Conserve client’s energy and maintain
legs, and feet (cleanest to dirtiest).​ health
➤ Rationale: Reduces risk of spreading ●​ Promote comfort
microorganisms.​ ●​ Provide a clean, neat environment
●​ Prevent skin irritation with a smooth,
wrinkle-free bed
Types of Beds 10.​Circoelectric Bed – Allows frequent, gentle
turning for patients with multiple injuries
Common Types or pressure ulcer risk.​

1.​ Occupied Bed – Used when the patient 11.​Clinton Therapy Bed (Air-Fluidized Bed)
cannot get out of bed, allowing linen – Used for burn patients or disabled
changes while maintaining comfort and individuals to reduce pressure and
safety.​ promote healing.​

2.​ Unoccupied Bed – Made when no 12.​Air Therapy Bed – Provides even pressure
support for patients at high risk of skin
patient is in bed, usually in preparation
breakdown or pressure sores.
for a new occupant.

Other Types
START:
3.​ Open Bed – Prepared for easy patient
Perform hand hygiene and prepare all needed
transfer, commonly for surgical or
supplies.​
post-op patients.​
➤ Rationale: Reduces risk of infection and
ensures smooth workflow.​
4.​ Closed Bed – Made for new
admissions, with all linens pulled up Explain the procedure to the patient. Provide
and tucked in.​ privacy by closing curtains or the door.​
➤ Rationale: Promotes cooperation and
5.​ Bed Cradle – Keeps linens off the skin maintains dignity.​
to reduce pressure and moisture,
used for patients with burns, wounds, Raise bed to a comfortable working height
or fragile skin.​ and lower the head of the bed (if tolerated).
Ensure side rails are up on the opposite side.​
6.​ Postoperative Bed – Designed for ➤ Rationale: Prevents back strain for the nurse
post-surgery or anesthesia patients, and maintains patient safety.​
allowing easy access and monitoring.
Loosen top linens and remove them one by
Special Beds one, leaving the bath blanket over the patient.​
➤ Rationale: Prevents exposure and maintains
7.​ Water Bed – Reduces pressure on body warmth.​
parts for patients on long-term bed
rest.​ Assist the patient to turn to one side, facing
away from you. Raise the side rail on that
8.​ Turning Frame (Stryker Wedge) – side before turning.​
Allows turning without spinal ➤ Rationale: Ensures patient safety and allows
misalignment, used for patients with access to the bed.​
spinal injuries or immobility.​
Roll soiled bottom linens inward toward the
9.​ Rotation Bed – Promotes drainage and patient’s back. Tuck them as close to the
prevents complications in patients with patient as possible.​
burns or spinal cord injuries.​ ➤ Rationale: Prevents contamination of clean
linens and contains microorganisms.​ ➤ Rationale: Prevents infection transmission.​

Place clean bottom sheet on the exposed half Document the procedure and note any
of the bed. Tuck and secure it tightly. Add abnormalities (e.g., skin redness, pressure
drawsheet/incontinence pad if needed.​ sores).​
➤ Rationale: A wrinkle-free surface prevents ➤ Rationale: Provides continuity of care and
pressure ulcers and enhances comfort.​ early intervention if needed.

Roll back the patient onto the clean side. Go

to the opposite side.​
➤ Rationale: Safely repositions the patient and
gives access to the other half.​

Pull out the soiled linens and discard them

properly. Pull the clean sheet through and
secure it smoothly.​
➤ Rationale: Ensures a complete, clean
bedding surface.​

Place clean top sheet over the bath blanket,

then remove the bath blanket without
exposing the patient.​
➤ Rationale: Maintains warmth and modesty.​

Place blanket and bedspread, then tuck them

under the foot of the mattress with mitered
corners. Loosen linens at the foot to avoid
toe pressure.​
➤ Rationale: Provides neatness and prevents
foot drop or pressure injuries.​

Change pillowcase and reposition the pillow

under the patient’s head.​
➤ Rationale: Promotes hygiene and comfort.​

Ensure the patient is comfortable: raise the

head of bed as needed, align the body, and
adjust pillows.​
➤ Rationale: Enhances rest and circulation.​

Lower bed to its lowest position, raise side

rails, place call bell within reach.​
➤ Rationale: Promotes patient safety and
accessibility.​

Dispose of soiled linens properly, remove

gloves, and perform hand hygiene.​