ASSISTING A HYPOACTIVE PATIENT TO BATH IN THE BATHROOM

REQUIREMENTS #

1. A trolley containing:
   1. Top shelf
      1. Bucket for bath water
      2. Sponge
      3. Bath towel
      4. Soap in a dish
      5. Comb and hair brush
      6. Talcum powder
      7. Tooth brush and tooth paste/chewing sponge/stick
      8. Bath thermometer
   2. Bottom shelf:
      1. Bucket to receive used water
      2. Two jugs for hot and cold water
      3. Gown
      4. Receptacle for dirty clothing
      5. Mirror
      6. Patient clothes
      7. Preferred body cream/lotion
      8. Tissue paper
      9. Examination gloves
2. Screen
3. Assisting nurse(s)

STEPS #

1. Establish rapport (refer procedure)
2. Explain procedure to patient
3. Provide privacy
4. Mix bath water in a bucket to a desired temperature (30-400C) using a bath thermometer/the back of your hand/elbow and send toiletries to the bathroom
5. Ask for assistance when necessary
6. Accompany patient to the bathroom and assist him/her to undress
7. Hand over sponge and soap to patient
8. Encourage the patient to bath by him/herself, giving positive reinforcement as appropriate and assist where necessary
9. Emphasis should be laid on hair, armpit, groin, genitals and under the breast if female
10. Observe the body for any abnormalities e.g. swelling, rashes, boils, ulceration, etc.
11. Supervise the patient to dry the body after the bath and assist where necessary
12. Supervise and assist patient to groom and change into new clothes
13. Express appreciation to patient and direct him/her to the next activity
14. Remove screen, clear trolley, disinfect used items and perform hand hygiene
15. Document procedure, report any abnormalities and indicate patient’s level of co-operation in the nurses’ notes/patient’s folder