Assisting aperson with using a bedpan:

Why you do it? Bedpans are used for women who cannot get out of bed to urinate
or have a bowel moivement and for men who cannot get out of bed to have a bowel
movement.

Urinals are used for men who cannot get out of bed to urinate.
 ASSISITING WITH A BEDPAN OR URINAL
PROCEDURE CHECKLIST
1
2
3
4
5
PE
POSITIONING A BEDPAN
1. Close the curtain or the door.
2. Wash your hands, apply gloves.
3. Lower the head of the bed so client is in the
supine position.
4. Elevate the bed
5. Assist the client to a side-lying position using the
side rail for support.
6. Warm the bedpan under warm water if needed;
powder if necessary.

7. Place the bedpan under the buttocks. Place a fracture pan with the lower end near the client’s lower back region. Place
large bedpans with the opening near the client’s thighs.

8. While holding the bedpan with one hand, help the client roll onto his back while pushing against the bedpan (toward
the center of the bed) to hold it in place.

9. Alternate: Help the client raise the hips using the overbed trapeze, and slide the pan in place. Alternate: If the client is
unable to turn or raise the hips, use a fracture pan instead of a bedpan. With a fracture pan, the flat side is place
toward the client’s head.

10. Check the placement of the bedpan by looking

between the client’s legs.
11. If indicated, elevate the head of the bed to a 45
degree angle or higher for comfort.

12. Place the call light within reach of the client; place the side rails in the upright position, lower the bed, and provide
privacy. Leaving deodorant spray within reach clients so they can use the spray after defecating can help reduce
their embarrassment.

13. Remove gloves; wash your hands.

POSITIONING A URINAL
14. Repeat procedure Step 1 and 2

15. Lift the covers and place the urinal so the client may grasp the handle and position it. If the client cannot do this, you
must position the urinal and place the penis into the opening. Males voiding large amounts of urine may be more
comfortable with a second urinal within reach.

16. Remove gloves; wash your hands.

REMOVING A BEDPAN
17. Wash your hands, apply gloves
18. Gather toilet paper and washing supplies