Wash cloths - Silly question on State Test.

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Specializes in CNA.

I know this is a silly question, but our Instructor gave us an out line of the tasks that could be asked on the State Exam, along with the steps and supplies involved.

I'm done with class, but have a question may sound rather silly.

Partial Bed bath: 2 wash cloths, among other supplies.

At which stage do you use the second wash cloth? To wipe the soap off? After finishing a certain part of the body? :confused: I can't find a clear answer when to start using the second wash cloth.

Thank you.....

You're supposed to use a different wash cloth for the peri area, for sure.

Specializes in CNA.

Thanks Moose,

I realize that regarding peri-care, but wondering when wash cloths are changed during Partial/Modified Bed Baths...

I just looked through my CNA book, and it doesn't list specifically that you need two wash cloths. You're supposed to use a new one for each main body part (ie: face, arms, chest/torso, etc). In a modified/partial bed bath, you will wash only the face, hands, armpits, back, and peri area, again, changing wash cloths with each main body part.

We were taught that you need 2 wash cloths for a partial bed bath. One is to be used without soap for washing the face and the other is to be used with soap to wash the arm and underarm.

Specializes in CNA.
We were taught that you need 2 wash cloths for a partial bed bath. One is to be used without soap for washing the face and the other is to be used with soap to wash the arm and underarm.

So, you can't use the same wash cloth on the body after you've used it on the face? Then that would only leave 1 to soap the arm, chest, etc. and rinse the soap off?

Sorry, the State Exam is Tuesday and these little things are getting to me.. :eek:

From what I understand one cloth is used for the entire body being rinsed in between body parts and the second cloth and even a third are used for cleaning the peri area.

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