Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

Registered Mental Health Nursing (RMN)

ASSISTING A HYPOACTIVE PATIENT TO BATH IN THE BATHROOM

This is the act of helping a patient who lacks the drive to carry out self-care activities.

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
  • Encourage patient resume activity of daily living

Equipment

  • A trolley containing:
  • Top shelf
  • Bucket for bath water
  • Sponge
  • Bath towel
  • Soap in a dish
  • Comb and hair brush
  • Talcum powder
  • 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 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 assistance when necessary
  • Accompany patient to the bathroom and assist him/her to undress
  • Hand over sponge and soap to patient
  • Encourage the patient to bath by him/herself, giving positive reinforcement as appropriate and assist where necessary
  • Emphasis should be laid on hair, armpit, groin, genitals and under the breast if female
  • Observe the body for any abnormalities e.g. swelling, rashes, boils, ulceration, etc.
  • Supervise the patient to dry the body after the bath 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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