BED BATH AND BACKRUB

• True or False: Bathing a client confined in bed primarily aims to remove transient microorganisms, body secretions, and excretions.
• True or False: It is advisable to expose, wash, rinse, and dry only a part of the body at one time to avoid unnecessary exposure and chilling during bed baths.
• True or False: The use of warm water during bathing can contribute to chilling and discomfort for the client.
• True or False: It is acceptable to use the same portion of a washcloth for both eyes when cleansing the client's face during a bed bath.
• True or False: Adolescents should be left unattended during bathing to promote independence.
• Exposing, washing, rinsing, and drying only a part of the body at one time to avoid unnecessary exposure and chilling.
• 1. Identify the purpose of washing the client's face during a bed bath.

  • Answer: To cleanse the face, ears, and neck; remove dirt and oils; and promote comfort and hygiene.
• 1. Identify the action recommended to prevent muscle strain and overreaching during bed baths.

  • Answer: Working close to the object, such as the bed, to prevent overreaching and muscle strain.
• 1. Identify the recommended approach for washing the client's arms and hands during a bed bath.

  • Answer: Elevating the client's arm, supporting the wrist and elbow, and using long, firm strokes from the wrist to the shoulder.
• 1. Identify the reason for using warm water during bathing.

  • Answer: To maintain the client's comfort and prevent chilling during the bath.
• Using even, smooth, but firm strokes during bathing helps to effectively cleanse the skin, remove dirt and oils, stimulate circulation, and promote comfort for the client. It also helps to maintain proper hygiene practices and prevent skin irritation or injury.
• Bathing a client confined to bed serves multiple purposes, including cleansing, refreshing, and providing comfort; removing transient microorganisms, body secretions, and excretions; stimulating circulation and aiding in elimination; promoting a sense of well-being; providing an opportunity for inspection of the client's body for abnormalities; and facilitating movement and exercise for the client.
• 1. Situation: During a bed bath, the client expresses discomfort due to feeling cold. What immediate actions should the nurse take to address the client's concerns?

  • Answer: The nurse should immediately adjust the room temperature, provide additional blankets or towels to keep the client warm, and proceed with the bath using warm water. Additionally, the nurse should ensure that only a part of the client's body is exposed at a time to minimize chilling and discomfort.
• 1. Situation: While washing the client's face during a bed bath, the nurse notices excessive redness and swelling around one eye. What should be the nurse's next course of action?

  • Answer: The nurse should carefully assess the area for signs of infection or injury and report the findings to the healthcare provider. Depending on the severity of the redness and swelling, the nurse may need to discontinue the bath and provide appropriate treatment or further evaluation.
• 1. The back rub procedure should be performed only in the morning to promote wakefulness. (True/False)
• 1. Back rub is contraindicated in clients with burns, reddened areas on the skin, or open wounds. (True/False)
• 1. The back rub procedure should be avoided after surgery or fractures involving the ribs or vertebrae. (True/False)
• 1. Friction strokes during back rub should be applied parallel to the spine. (True/False)
• 1. The tapotement technique involves gentle, rhythmic tapping movements on the client's back. (True/False)
• 1. Providing privacy and reducing noise are essential steps in the preparation of the unit for back rub. (True/False)
• 1. The back rub procedure should always start with petrissage followed by effleurage. (True/False)
• 1. Kneading during the back rub increases circulation and soothes tired muscles. (True/False)
• 1. Excess lotion applied during the back rub may act as an irritant to the client's skin. (True/False)
• 1. Recording the condition of the client's back, areas of muscle pain, and vital signs is not necessary after performing a back rub. (True/False)
• PURPOSE: Acts as a general body conditioner.
• PURPOSES: Provides relief from pain and promotes sleep.
• special consideration: Assess client's vital signs, signs of stress, and receptability to therapy.
• PURPOSE: Friction strokes penetrate deeper muscles.
• PURPOSE: Relaxes and relieves tension.
• special consideration: Excess lotion can be an irritant.
• special consideration: Provide massage following a bath, before sleeping, and at other times as necessary to achieve comfort and relaxation.
• special consideration: Assess client's heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
• special consideration: Contraindicated when client has had surgery or fracture of the ribs or vertebrae; burns, reddened areas on the skin, or open wounds; status post coronary artery bypass.
• special consideration: Improves circulation and provides a means of communication with the client through the use of touch.