Assisting with Bedpan

Placing a client on the bedpan

Sometimes your clients will need to use a bedpan.  You can do your part to help your client maintain their sense of dignity when they need to use a bedpan.

Always wash your hands well before assisting a client with a bedpan.  You should greet your client upon entering their room.  Place a pair of gloves on your hands before starting the process.  Let the client know that you will be providing a bedpan for them so that they know what you are doing.  Close the client’s door to provide them with privacy.  You should also pull the privacy curtain around their bed if one is available.

You will need to have your client lay down in a supine position.  Some clients will need you to lay them in this position.  Turn your client over to their side so that you can lay the bedpan under their buttocks.  You will then gently roll the client back onto their back.  Ask the client to open his or her legs so that you can ensure the bedpan is in the proper position.  Make certain to raise the head of the bed for added comfort for the client.

You can then provide your client with a call bell so that they can call you when they done using the bedpan.  Unless you have been instructed to stay in the room, you can then leave the room to provide your client with privacy.  Upon leaving the room, you will need to take off your gloves and to again wash your hands using the proper procedure.

When your client calls you to return to the room, you will need to again wash your hands and put on gloves.  Once again, you should take all necessary measures to provide your client with privacy.  At this point you will need to lay the bed into a flat position so that you can help the client turn onto their side.  While you are moving the client, you should hold onto the bedpan to keep it steady thus preventing any spills or leaks.

You can place the bedpan safely aside for a few minutes while you provide any necessary perineal care for your client.  You will then help the client return to a comfortable position.  You can provide them with a washcloth or wet wipe (whichever is allowed by our healthcare provider) so that your client can wash their hands.