Cleaning patients after bowel movements.

Nurses General Nursing

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I hope this is not a stupid or idiot question. But, how do does a nursing staff member clean after a bowel movement using a bedpan, or from an accidental soiling of his or herself? Do you use like super strong and thick paper towels the size of bath towels?

10 minutes ago, K+MgSO4 said:

Gloves and wipes and sometimes an apron...Roll them off the pan onto their side and clean. Same if an incontinence pad is soiled. Or if they are unable to stand and wipe at the toilet get them to stand and you wipe.

I also don't think that the PP had "tone". It is a an odd Q

I am wondering how you which a difficult task. If a simple question like my is odd how on earth is someone supposed to learn anything in nursing school when working in the real life situation. This is one reason why I spooked about nursing and never went through with my clinicals twenty years ago.

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You learn things in nursing school because at some point there is a learning unit where the whole goal is for you to learn how to provide personal care.

You're losing credibility by taking our (my) question and turning it around on us and piling on the whole "people like you guys are why I haven't fulfilled my life dreams" thing.

No. Choose to converse like an adult or else accept the ways your communications are received.

(?Sorry, everyone.)

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Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.
2 hours ago, Kidsrablast said:

I am wondering how you which a difficult task. If a simple question like my is odd how on earth is someone supposed to learn anything in nursing school when working in the real life situation. This is one reason why I spooked about nursing and never went through with my clinicals twenty years ago.

It is not necessarily a simple question. The answer could differ based on the circumstances. Are you taking care of a loved one at home, are you working as an aide, are you at the bedside of a family member in the hospital and either want to learn for later or (i hope not!) complain about staff. It would be helpful to know the situation.

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2 hours ago, Kidsrablast said:

I am wondering how you which a difficult task. If a simple question like my is odd how on earth is someone supposed to learn anything in nursing school when working in the real life situation. This is one reason why I spooked about nursing and never went through with my clinicals twenty years ago.

Perhaps english lessons as well as basic PSW 101 might be in order for you. Sorry but your posts. Your lack of going through Clinical had nothing to do with anyone but yourself and your lack of self-confidence. I agree with JKL33....don't blame others for your short comings..be an adult

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26 minutes ago, CURLYKATE said:

Perhaps english lessons as well as basic PSW 101 might be in order for you. Sorry but your posts. Your lack of going through Clinical had nothing to do with anyone but yourself and your lack of self-confidence. I agree with JKL33....don't blame others for your short comings..be an adult

For heavens sake, what is PSW101. I came for help with what I thought was a reasonable question. All I wanted to know is how it is done. That's it. Please.

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Specializes in ER OR LTC Code Blue Trauma Dog.
20 minutes ago, Kidsrablast said:

All I wanted to know is how it is done. That's it. Please.

I provided a good answer earlier. Perhaps you missed it...

Please indicate if you have any questions about those outlined nursing procedures I might be able to assist you with.

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That was my question at the very beginning. I do not understand why people seem to be so skeptical. And accuse me of not being an adult. Maybe the one that had answered me first is the troll.

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I feel I am being bullied about a question I had asked. If someone doesn't like my username tough! I just had asked what I thought was an innocent question. And saying I am not acting like an adult. I am a 47y/o and had almost validated for RN program clinical. Certain comment are the reason I had never followed through with it. And yet even now I ran into the same issue.

HELP!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

Wanting more information is not being a troll. Cleaning a patient after a bedpan and after soiling themselves are quite different. Is the patient small and mobile, or 500 lbs and flaccid (how many people will it take)? What do you or your facility have for cleaning? Is the patient constantly soiled with urine and you simply clean up after feces? Is the feces formed or loose? Does the patient have wounds? Mobility/repositioning/spinal issues?

For cleansing, the important things are using items meant for the purpose. If they are chronically incontinent, skin protectants are important. pH balanced is important. Texture (of what you use) is important.

If you simply toilet a continent person with formed stool on a bedpan, perhaps simply toilet paper is fine.

If they have loose stool and an incontinent person, it is very important to clean that off of the body with a pH balanced skin cleanser, and protect the skin from further irritants. You may want a barrier cream or skin protectant layer after cleaning.

You would likely only use a bath towel if actually bathing the patient (such as if the loose stool runs down their legs). You could use "thick paper towels" if that is what you have and they are soft.

So, to restate the question: "Dare I ask what is compelling your interest?"

Is this a family member or are you just asking a random question without realizing there are many details required for the answer? Are they mobile, did they break their hip. Are the obese. Is their skin fragile. Do they have wounds. Are they having frequent episodes. Are you using diapers on them. Is their stool loose or formed? Are they also incontinent of urine (or do they do both at the same time on the bedpan)... Etc.

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Specializes in School Nurse.

Most baby wipes leave a film which can exacerbate things. I've found that soft, disposable towels moistened with just water work well. Yes, barrier creams help as well.

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Specializes in ER OR LTC Code Blue Trauma Dog.
3 minutes ago, BettyGirard said:

Most baby wipes leave a film which can exacerbate things.

Sometimes these products contain certain allergens such as chlorine, alcohol and formaldehyde which can break down the skin.

https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/hidden-ingredients-in-baby-wipes/

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Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.
11 hours ago, Kidsrablast said:

I am wondering how you which a difficult task. If a simple question like my is odd how on earth is someone supposed to learn anything in nursing school when working in the real life situation. This is one reason why I spooked about nursing and never went through with my clinicals twenty years ago.

Crikey! Excuse the Aussie here but there is no need to snap. If you had provided the information originally then my response would of been, this should be taught in nursing 101 and you will learn on clinical placement.

Also reread your posts before you click submit. Your use of English phrasing could do some work.

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