When & Why?
Assist a resident who cannot safely use the bathroom or bedside commode with urination or bowel elimination.
Common devices:
- Standard bedpan.
- Fracture bedpan for residents needing a lower-profile pan.
Before You Start
- Review the care plan and positioning restrictions.
- Explain the procedure and provide privacy.
- Gather bedpan, gloves, wipes, linens, and other supplies.
- Offer assistance with clothing and positioning.
Steps
- Perform hand hygiene and apply appropriate gloves.
- Position the resident safely according to the care plan.
- Place the bedpan using the trained technique.
- Check comfort, alignment, and stability.
- Raise the head of the bed as appropriate and permitted.
- Provide privacy while remaining available for assistance.
- Remove the bedpan safely when finished.
- Observe urine or stool before disposal.
- Provide perineal care and ensure the resident is dry and comfortable.
- Measure and document output when required.
- Clean and disinfect equipment according to policy.
Safety & Observations
- Never leave an unsafe or high-fall-risk resident unattended.
- Avoid dragging the bedpan against the skin.
- Protect pressure areas during prolonged use.
- Report blood, unusual output, pain, or difficulty eliminating.
- Follow infection-control and specimen collection requirements.
What Should I Remember?
- Privacy → Position → Assist → Observe → Clean.
- Encourage independence when possible.
- Do not leave a resident on a bedpan longer than necessary.
- Report changes in elimination patterns.
Related
Practice
- Studied
- Observed
- Practiced
- Passed checkoff
Sources
- CNA Module 8 — Elimination Needs
Flashcards
What safety and dignity measures matter during bedpan assistance?03-application / clinical-skills
Answer
Privacy, safe positioning, call light access, prompt hygiene.