Bedpan Assistance

Key Points

• Position pan correctly (deep end toward toes; fracture-pan handle toward toes).
• Preserve privacy while remaining nearby for safety.
• Assess and document output amount and characteristics when indicated.

Equipment

• Gloves
• Bedpan or fracture pan
• Barrier pad
• Toilet tissue

Procedure Steps

1. Complete routine pre-procedure actions and don gloves.
2. Raise hips or turn resident to place barrier under buttocks.
3. Position bedpan/fracture pan correctly and center resident.
4. Raise head of bed to comfort level.
5. Cover resident with linens or bath blanket.
6. Leave toilet tissue and call light within reach.
7. Wait nearby while preserving privacy.
8. Return when signaled; assist hand hygiene.
9. Remove bedpan gently and assist perineal care.
10. Empty contents into toilet or graduated cylinder if output recording is required.
11. Note amount and characteristics (color, clarity, sediment, unusual odor).
12. Rinse equipment, remove gloves, perform post-procedure safety checks, and document output/findings.

Common Errors

• Incorrect pan orientation → causes discomfort and spill risk.
• Leaving resident without reachable call light → delays assistance and increases risk.
• Omitting perineal care after elimination → increases skin breakdown and infection risk.

Related

• urinal-assistance - Alternative elimination support for residents able to void with a urinal.
• toileting-method-selection-and-scheduled-assistance - Helps choose the safest elimination method.