Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

Registered Mental Health Nursing (RMN)

ASSISTING A HYPERACTIVE/OVERACTIVE PATIENT TO BATH

This is the act of helping the hyperactive/overactive patient to wash/clean himself/herself.

Purpose

  • Keep the patient clean and enhance self-concept
  • Stimulate blood circulation
  • Regulate body temperature
  • Provide comfort, relaxation and induce sleep
  • Prevent/minimize skin irritation/infection
  • Aid in physical assessment of the patient

Equipment

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

Procedure steps

  • Establish rapport (refer procedure)
  • Explain procedure to the patient
  • Provide privacy
  • 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
  • Ask for a helping hand from another nurse if appropriate
  • Ensure that enough nurses are around and let them know your where about
  • Speak in a calm gentle tone and coax patient to come to the bathroom with the help of the assisting nurse(s)
  • Continue to speak gently to patient as you (nurse) help him/her to undress
  • Supervise patient to bath and assist him/her where necessary
  • Emphasis should be laid on hair, armpit, groin, genitals and under the breast if female
  • Observe body for any abnormalities e.g. rashes, cuts, swelling etc.
  • Supervise patient to dry him/herself with a towel and assist where necessary
  • Supervise and assist patient to groom and change into new clothes
  • Express appreciation to patient and direct him/her to the next activity
  • Remove screen, clear trolley, disinfect used items and perform hand hygiene
  • Document procedure, report any abnormalities and indicate patient’s level of co-operation in the nurses’ notes/patient’s folder

References and further reading

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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