Bathing

Purposes of Bathing
1. Removes accumulated oil, perspiration, dead skin cells & some bacteria. - Excessive bathing can interfere with the intended lubricating effect of the sebum causing dryness of the skin. This is an important consideration especially for older adults who produce less sebum


2. Bathing also stimulate circulation
- A warm or hot bath dilates superficial arterioles bringing more blood & nourishment to the skin.
- Rubbing with long smooth strokes from the distal to proximal parts of extremities is particularly effective in facilitating venous blood flow.

3. Bathing also produces a sense of well-being. It is refreshing and relaxing & frequently improve morale appearance & self-respect.
- Morning bath = refreshing & stimulating effect.
- Evening = relaxing

4. Bathing offers an excellent opportunity for the nurse to assess all clients.
- The nurse can observe the condition of the client’s skin & physical condition such as sacral edema or rushes.
- The nurse can also assess the client’s psychosocial needs such as orientation to time and ability to cope with the illness.

Categories of Bath
1. Cleaning Baths – are given chiefly for hygiene purposes.

a. Complete Bed Bath – the nurse washes the entire body of the dependent client.

b. Self-Help Bath – clients are able to bath themselves w/ help from the nurse for washing the back & perhaps the feet.

c. Partial Bath (abbreviated bath) – only the clients body parts that might cause discomfort or odor if neglected are washed; face, hands, axillae, perineal area & back.

Omitted: arms, chest, abdomen, legs & feet

d. Towel Bath – The towel bath is an in bed bath that uses a quick drying solution containing a disinfectant, a cleaning agent & a softening agent mixed with water.

e. Bag Bath – an adaptation of the towel bath. The equipment needed is a plastic bag, 10 to 12 washcloths & a nonrinsable cleaner & water mixture. The solution & washcloths are warmed in a microwave.

f. Tub Bath – Tub baths are often proffered to bed baths because it is easier to wash & rinse in a tub.

g. Sponge Bath – are suggested for the newborn because daily tub baths are not considered necessary. After the bath, the infant should be immediately dried & wrapped to prevent heat loss because the infants ability to regulate body temperature is not yet fully developed. Infants perspire minimally, & shivering starts at a lower temperature than it does in adults; therefore, infants lose more heart before shivering begins.

h. Shower – Many ambulatory clients are able to use a shower facilities & require only minimal assistance from the nurse. Clients in long term care settings are often given showers w/ the aid of a shower chair. The shower also has a commode seat to facilitate cleansing the clients perineal area during the shower.

2. Therapeutic Baths – are given for physical effects, such as to soothe irritated skin or to treat an area. Medications may be placed in the water. A therapeutic bath is generally taken in a tub one-third or one-half full. The clients remains in the bath for a designated time often 20 to 30 minutes. If the client’s back, chest & arms are to be treated these areas need to be immersed in the solution.

Bathing an Adult or Pediatric Client
1. To remove transient microorganisms, body secretions & excretions & dead skin cells.

2. To stimulate circulation to the skin.

3. To produce a sense of

4. To promote relaxation & comfort

5. To prevent or eliminate unpleasant body odors.

Determine the ff before the bath
1. Condition of the skin.

2. Fatigue

3. Presence of pain & need for adjunctive measure before the bath.

4. Range of motion of the joints

5. Any other aspect of health that may affect the client’s bathing process.

6. Need for use of clean gloves during the bath.

Preparation Before Giving a Bath to Client
1. The type of bath the client needs

2. Self-care ability of the client

3. Any movement or positioning precautions specific to the client

4. Other care the client may be receiving such as physical therapy

5. Client’s comfort level with being by someone else