The person you are caring for might need to use a bedpan if they are unable to get out of bed to use the restroom. Designed to fit under a person sitting or lying in bed, a bedpan is a container used to collect urine or feces. Metal or plastic bedpans can be used, and some of them can be lined to reduce splashing and facilitate cleaning.
Many different kinds of bedpans, urinals, and mobile toileting aids are available for use when a patient or user has restricted mobility due to a medical condition or while recovering from surgery. For instance, bedpans are made to be as comfortable as possible for the user while also assisting caregivers in supporting people and assisting them in maintaining their dignity and independence.
Please read this article carefully if you want to learn how to use a bedpan.
How Do Bedpans Work?
When a person is in bed, a bedpan is used to collect urine or feces. Both the patient and the family caregiver may initially find the procedure awkward. The procedure will go much more smoothly once you both learn the proper bedpan positioning.
Different Types Of Bedpans And Urinals
In general, bedpans and urinals can be divided into two categories: single-use items of equipment and reusable items of equipment. These can then be further divided into distinct male and female products, each of which is created to assist with going to the bathroom and cleaning up afterward.
Male Urinals
A variety of disposable and reusable male urinal products are available from our company. All of our products can be used while standing or while lying down, but urinals are frequently suggested as being preferable to bed pans for men to urinate in. In order to lessen offensive odors and the risk of cross-infection, the secure fitting of both of our male urinal bottles is made to prevent leaks and spills.
Female Urinals
Urinal use can occasionally be more challenging for women than it is for men. But in order to lessen leaks and provide comfort for the user, we have given this careful thought and provide a range of thoughtfully designed female urinal products. It also has an easy grip handle as shown, which is especially useful for those who may have limited hand movement. Wider openings enable the female urinal bottle to be angled correctly once in position.
Female petal and slipper pans are typically used by people who are seated, and slipper pans in particular are easy to use because they can be quickly put in place. The spout on our petal pan is designed specifically to make emptying and cleaning easier, and the tight-fitting bung stops leaks and spills.
How Should The Patient Be Prepared And The Bedpan Position?
- Don’t forget to inform the patient in advance of each step and reassure them that you are available to help.
- You can start after washing your hands and donning a pair of disposable gloves.
- If body powder is available, rub a thin layer of it on the bedpan’s rim to make it simpler to slide the patient under.
- Only enough water should be added to the bedpan to cover the bottom. Emptying and cleanup will be easier as a result of this step.
- Help the patient take his or her clothes off starting at the bottom of the body.
- Wrap a sheet or blanket around the patient’s legs.
How Should A Bedpan Be Used? Where Should It Be Placed?
- Tell the patient to lie on their back with their feet flat on the mattress and their knees bent.
- With the curved edge of the bedpan facing the back, position it as close to the patient’s hip as you can.
- If the patient is able to lift their hips, slide the bedpan underneath the buttocks and gently instruct them to lower their buttocks onto the bedpan.
- If the patient is unable to lift their hips, gently roll them to their side while being careful not to roll them too far.
- Roll the patient onto the bedpan and back toward you, placing the bedpan against the hips.
- Raise the head of the bed if you are working from a patient’s hospital bed so that they are somewhat upright. Place pillows under the back and shoulders of the patient if they are not in a hospital bed to raise them as high as you can.
- Provide toilet paper to the patient, if they can use it, once the position is stabilized. Take a step back to ensure privacy.
What Should You Do Following The Use Of The Bedpan?
- Hold the bedpan securely while assisting the person to roll off of it and away from you. Set the bedpan aside with care.
- If necessary, assist the person in wiping.
- Put the bedpan’s contents in the toilet.
- Use water that has been diluted with a disinfectant to rinse and wash the bedpan. The use of a small sprayer that connects to the toilet’s water supply could be beneficial. Dry the toilet or allow it to air dry.
- Put your gloves in the trash after removing them.
