(a) Fold bath blanket down to waist. Remove warm, moist towel from
plastic bag and place on patient's right or left chest with open edges up and outward.
Unroll towel across chest.
(b) Open towel to cover entire body while removing top bath blanket.
Tuck towel in and around body (leave bath towel and washcloths in plastic bag to keep
warm).
(c) Begin bathing at feet, using gentle, massaging motion. Employ
clean section of towel for each part of body as you move toward patient's head.
(d) Fold lower part of towel upward away from feet as bathing
continues.
(e) Put clean bath blanket up over patient as you move upward. Leave
3 inches of exposed skin between towel and bath blanket. Skin will dry in 2 or 3
seconds.
(f)
Wash face, neck, and ears with one of prepared washcloths.
(g) Turn patient onto side.
(h) Use bath towel for back care.
(i)
Use second washcloth for perineal care (don disposable gloves).
(j) When bath is completed, remove towel and place with soiled linens
in plastic laundry bag.
(k)
If top bath blanket is not soiled, fold and use later.
1-5.
ASSISTING A PATIENT TO TAKE A TUB BATH
a. General. A patient who is not confined to bed and is not helpless will, in
some cases, be recommended to have a tub bath. All necessary supplies and
equipment is provided by the medical specialist. Any assistance in getting in and out of
bed, getting in and out of the tub, and/or reaching areas of the body while bathing will
be rendered by the specialist.
b. Important Points.
(1)
Provide safety measures to prevent slipping, tripping, or falling.
(2)
Maintain privacy.
(3)
Encourage performance.
MD0556
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