Bathing

Assisting with a Tub Bath or Shower

Procedure Guidelines 1. Consider patient s condition, and review orders for precautions concerning patient s movement or positioning. Physician s order usually is needed for a tub bath or shower. 2. Schedule use of shower or tub. 3. Check tub or shower for cleanliness. Use cleaning techniques outlined in institution policy. Place rubber mat on tub or shower bottom. Place disposable bath mat or towel on floor in front of tub or shower. 4. Collect all hygienic aids, toiletry items, and linens requested by patient. Place within easy reach of tub or shower. 5. Assist patient to bathroom, if necessary. Have patient wear robe and slippers to bathroom. 6. Place occupied sign on bathroom door. 1. For a patient who can bathe without assistance: (1) Assist patient into tub. Fill tub halfway with warm water. Check temperature of bath water, then have patient test water, and adjust temperature if water is too warm. Show the patient how to adjust water temperature controls. If patient is taking a shower, provide a shower seat or tub chair if needed. Turn shower on and adjust water temperature before patient enters shower stall. (2) Instruct patient to use safety bars when getting in and out of tub or shower. Caution patient against use of bath oil in tub water.

Mosby items and derived items 2009 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Procedure Guidelines (3) Instruct patient not to remain in tub longer than 10 to 15 minutes. Check on patient every 5 minutes. (4) Demonstrate how to use call signal for assistance. (5) Return to bathroom when patient signals, and knock before entering. B. For a patient who requires assistance bathing: (1) Assist patient into tub. Fill tub halfway with warm water. Check temperature of bath water, then have patient test water, and adjust temperature if water is too warm. If patient is taking a shower, provide a shower seat or tub chair if needed. Turn shower on and adjust water temperature before patient enters shower stall. (2) Assist the patient while using the proper sequence for bathing: (A) Face and neck (B) Chest (C) Arms and hands (D) Abdomen (E) Back (F) Legs and feet (G) Perineal area (3) Assist with drying. Observe the patient s skin, noting any dryness, flaking, scaling, cracking, or signs of breakdown. (4) Drain tub of water before patient attempts to get out of it. Place bath towel over patient s shoulders. Assist patient in getting out of tub as needed (request assistance if necessary). Assist with drying as needed. C. Assist patient as needed in donning clean gown or pajamas, slippers, and robe. D. Assist patient to room and comfortable position in bed or chair.

Mosby items and derived items 2009 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Procedure Guidelines

E. Clean tub or shower according to institution policy. Remove soiled linen, and place in dirty-linen bag. Discard disposable equipment in proper receptacle. Place unoccupied sign on bathroom door. Return supplies to storage area. F. As part of follow-up care, observe the patient s skin, comparing any dryness, redness, flaking, scaling, cracking, or signs of breakdown with previous findings. G. Perform hand hygiene.

Mosby items and derived items 2009 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.