Bed bath & linen change skill exam help!

[PSiLoveHeels]

Hi everyone! I am currently in a two year RN program and tomorrow we have our bed bath and bed making exam. We are expected to do a partial bed bath (on three random areas that we choose from a pile) and then make the occupied bed.

I feel I understand the general concepts and steps of the process, but there are a lot of small details that I'm getting stuck on. I understand that I need to wash parts from least contaminated to most contaminated; I will do the back last, so that I can begin changing the linen while my patient is still on their side.

Once I finish bathing, should I remove my gloves, sanitize and then put new gloves on to handle the linen?

Also, when I bring the water basin over to the sink to empty, am I required to actually wash the basin? Or is it okay to just empty and rinse it? Does it need to be dried? (Sorry I know I have a lot of very specific questions) Should I use a paper towel to turn the faucet on/off when emptying the basin?

Would you recommend removing the patient's gown before beginning the bath? The patient could be covered by a bath blanket or the top sheet while the bath is taking place. Or should I wait until the linens are changed to switch the gown to a clean one?

I know these details are very minor in regards to the bigger picture when in the real healthcare setting, but my instructors are very specific and tedious when it comes to these things.

Any help, advice or suggestions would be AWESOME!! Thank you so much

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Do it the way they told you to do it. Got a handout from them?

Then when you get to work for really: remove gown when start, especially if it's dirty. Dump the water in the basin, rinse, swab dry c a clean or paper towel, store. Use fresh water for the back-- it's not dirtier than the pits and pubes, and you can do the buttocks/anal area last. Clean gown on the patient, change the linens last.

[TerryGvl]

I agree with GrnTea. Your school should have provided you with specific instructions, including critical errors. Anything not addressed in their instructions probably will not fail you (i.e., washing the basin vs. rinsing it). If you don't have very specific instructions, I recommend searching the Pearson Vue website for Nurse Aide certification in your state. Find the Candidate Handbook on their site. It will contain detailed instructions for basic nursing skills. You could also search YouTube for videos demonstrating the skills.

[PSiLoveHeels]

Thanks for the tips! I passed with no problems :)