TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING

RNSG 1216

PROCEDURE GUIDE AND CHECK-OFF SHEET

USING A BEDPAN

Patients restricted to bedrest may need to use a bedpan to have a bowel movement or urinate. Bedpans come in two styles: a regular bedpan and a fracture bedpan. Most bedpans are made of plastic. Fracture bedpans were developed for patients with fractures of the lower limbs who could not elevate easily to use a regular bedpan. Fracture bedpans are being used more frequently because it is easier for the patient to elevate the hips to get on the fracture bedpan than the regular bedpan.

Delegation: This procedure may be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel. The nurse retains the responsibility for knowing the patient’s output and taking the appropriate nursing interventions based on that knowledge.

Procedure / Scientific Rationale /
1. The following equipment is needed for this skill:
a.  regular or fracture bedpan
b.  gloves
c.  waterproof pad
d.  toilet paper
e.  washcloth.
2.  Keep the patient covered with a sheet or a towel. Do not expose the patient unnecessarily. / Patients are not comfortable having to have a bowel movement in the bed so the nurse should ensure the patient as much privacy and dignity as possible.
3.  Place the head of bed in the low position. Make sure that the side rails are in the raised position to ensure safety for the patient. / Placing head of bed in the low position will make it easier for the patient to get on the bedpan using either position. This will ensure that the patient will not fall out of the bed.
4.  The bedpan can be placed under the patient two possible ways:
a.  Have the patient lift the hips and slide the bedpan under the hips with the closed lip end of the bedpan under the buttocks.
b.  Have the patient roll onto the side, place the bedpan against the buttocks and have the patient roll back onto the back with the closed lip end of the bedpan under the buttocks. / The nurse must determine the best method for placing the bedpan under the patient.
a.  This way would be appropriate for a patient who can lift the hips without any difficulty or discomfort.
b.  This way would be appropriate for a patient who is unable to lift the hips without any discomfort or injury to the patient.
5.  Raise the head of the bed and make sure the bedpan is positioned so that it will collect the waste. / The sitting position is the anatomical correct position when having a bowel movement or urinating. If the bedpan is not positioned correctly the nurse will be changing linens.
6.  Allow the patient privacy and place the nurse's call light within reach. / Having a bowel movement or urinating is a very private activity.
7. When the patient is finished, allow the patient the opportunity to clean self, if possible. / The nurse should encourage as much independence as possible when caring for the patient who is on bedrest.
7.  If the patient is unable to clean self, lower the head of the bed and have patient roll on to the side and remove bedpan carefully. / The contents of the bedpan could spill into the bed so the nurse should be very careful when removing the bedpan.
8.  Clean the area with toilet paper from front to back then a warm wash cloth and dry completely. / The nurse should cleanse the rectal area thoroughly to ensure no feces left. This may cause skin breakdown and cause odor. Cleaning from front to back prevent the transfer of microorganisms from the rectal area to urinary tract.
9.  When finished leave patient in position of comfort. Clean bedpan and place out of site in the patient's room. / The bedpan should not be left out in the open for visitors to see.
10. Document patient’s output.
Note: Refer to intake and output procedure. / All data must be entered in patient’s record.
11.  Report any abnormal data to the appropriate personnel. / Any abnormal data must have a corresponding nursing action.

N:ADN/ADN Syllabus/CBC Curriculum/Level I/1216/Performance Checklist for Basic Skills - Using a Bedpan

Reviewed 04/16

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