Table of Contents
REQUIREMENTS #
- A trolley containing the following:
- Top shelf:
- Two bowls/basin
- 6-8 small towels
- Vital signs tray
- Bath thermometer (if available)
- Bottom shelf:
- Two jugs with hot and cold water respectively
- Disposable gloves
- Long mackintosh and bath blanket
- Receptacle for soiled linen
- Receptacle for used water
- New linen and clothing
- Bath towel
- Top shelf:
STEPS #
- Establish rapport with patient and relatives (Refer to steps)
- Explain procedure to patient and relatives (Refer to steps)
- Provide privacy
- Perform hand hygiene
- Prepare trolley and send to the bedside
- Check and record patient’s temperature
- Arrange top bed/counterpane clothes leaving top sheet
- Protect bottom sheet with a long mackintosh and bath blanket
- Undress the patient leaving him/her covered with the top sheet
- Prepare the tepid water in the bowel/basin, test the water with the bath thermometer or elbow
- Place the pieces of towels into the basin with tepid water
- Squeeze out excess water, place a wet towel in each axilla and groin
- Change the wet towel frequently to keep them tepid
- Sponge lower limbs, trunk, back and upper arms in strokes
- Wash and dry the face of the patient to refresh him/her
- Place the wet towel on the forehead of patient
- Leave small drops of water on the skin
- Change water as often as necessary
- Leave patient for 15-20 minutes
- Cover the patient with the top bedclothing
- Recheck temperature and record
- Repeat procedure till temperatures falls by 1℃
- Remove long mackintosh and bath blanket
- Assist patient to dress up and put him/her into a desirable position
- Perform hand hygiene
- Serve cold drink if patient can tolerate
- Serve prescribed antipyretic
- Document procedures, charts temperature and report findings to appropriate officer