Summary
Highlights
Gather supplies: four washcloths and a towel. Approach the resident's room, knock, sanitize hands, and introduce yourself. Explain the procedure as 'getting cleaned up' for better understanding. Ensure privacy by pulling the curtain and prepare a basin with warm water, asking the resident to check the temperature. Adjust the bed height for comfort and put on gloves.
Place all four washcloths in the basin. Expose the area to be washed by bringing down the sheet. Place a towel underneath the resident; if they can lift their hips, it's easier, otherwise, support their knees. The key is to prevent E. coli from the rectum reaching the urethra. Apply soap to the first washcloth, fold it into four, and use a different section for each top-to-bottom pass. Start with the labia, then the groin folds, and finally the urethra. Dispose of the washcloth immediately after use.
Using a clean, folded washcloth, rinse the areas in the same sequence: groin fold and labia from top to bottom, then the middle towards the urethra. Use a new part of the washcloth for each pass. Gently pat the area dry with a towel, paying special attention to groin and abdominal folds to prevent moisture issues. Cover the resident back up.
Raise the side rail and assist the resident to roll onto their side. Ensure the towel still protects the bed. Expose only the area to be cleaned. Take a new washcloth, apply soap, and fold it into four. Continue washing from clean to dirty, ensuring to go from the urethra towards the rectum. Start with the buttocks, then the middle, and finally the rectum. Disposable wipes can also be used, especially after a bowel movement. Dispose of used washcloths or wipes immediately.
Rinse the posterior area in the same manner, always moving from front to back, from clean to dirty. Observe for any reddened areas, especially around the coccyx, as this is a common site for skin breakdown. Pat dry thoroughly, ensuring all skin folds and creases are dry. Remove the soiled towel. Remove gloves while the resident is still on their side to avoid contamination. Roll the resident back, ensure they are comfortable, lower the bed, and secure the toe pleat. Lower the side rail, provide the call light, and open the curtain. Put on new gloves to clean the basin with soap and water before reporting any skin conditions to the nurse.