Hygiene - Bathing: Nursing skills

As a nurse, personal care, including assisting with bathing, is one of the most important, and sometimes challenging, tasks you will need to perform during your daily shifts. Now, before we talk about how to assist with bathing, here are some general considerations. Before beginning the procedure, explain to your client how you will assist them and why bathing is important. This can be especially helpful for confused clients or those with memory impairment. Be sure to answer any questions your client might have about the procedure. Then, start by closing the room’s door, all window covers, and ensuring the client is properly covered at all times to respect their privacy and modesty. Then, ask the client if they have special preferences for certain skin care products. Because bathing tends to trigger urination, remember to ask them if they need to use the bathroom, a bedpan, or urinal beforehand. Prepare the shower, tub room, or the bed if they’re doing a bed bath and make sure it’s clean. Watch out for a slippery bathtub or bathroom floor, place a non-slip mat and secure it to prevent a fall. Now, always check the water to make sure the temperature is safe and comfortable for the client. A water thermometer can be helpful to assess the temperature of the water before they enter. Before entering, ask your client to confirm the temperature is comfortable for them by dipping their finger in the water. Also, make sure that the ambient temperature is comfortable for them when they’re undressed. When bathing the client, encourage them to participate as much as possible. When providing a back massage, make sure to avoid reddened skin regions, sores, or bony parts because massaging these areas can damage the skin even more. Okay, so, when assisting a client with a shower, tub, or whirlpool bath, first gather the supplies you’ll need including gloves, soap, powder, lotion or cream, deodorant or antiperspirant, a bath blanket, washcloths, towels, and clean clothing. Inform them about the procedure before beginning and answer any questions related to the procedure.

In the case of a bath or a whirlpool tub, start by filling the tub halfway. If the client is taking a shower, check if they need a shower chair and place it in the shower. In both cases, make sure that there’s a towel-covered chair in the room where the client can sit after bathing to dry off. Next, assist the client to the room, help them undress, and then assist them into the shower or tub. Encourage the use of handrails to prevent falls. Now, if the client is able to bathe themselves, make sure that the bathing supplies are easy to reach. Depending on the facility’s policy, you may need to remain in the room. If you’re allowed to leave, tell them how to signal you when they need help or when they finish bathing. Stay close by and check in on them every 5 minutes for a maximum of 20 minutes. Before returning, don’t forget to knock.