5.12 Skills Checklist: Tub Bath
- Gather Supplies: Soap, shampoo and conditioner if used, lotion, four washcloths, four towels, barrier, gloves, clean clothes or gown, and linen bag or hamper
- Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:
- Knock on the resident’s door.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times.
- Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
- Provide for privacy.
- Explain the procedure to the resident.
- Procedure Steps:
- Keep the resident covered as long as possible and have the resident test the water temperature on their fingers. Assist the resident to the tub per facility protocol. See the subsection in this chapter called “Considerations During Bathing” for comfort measures. Repeatedly check the water temperature throughout the bath.
- Put on gloves.
- Wash the client’s face with a washcloth and no soap.
- Put soap on the washcloth and wash the resident starting with their upper body and then their legs.
- Lift any skin-on-skin areas and wash gently with soap.
- Perineal care can be performed in the bed prior to the bath. See Skills Checklists 5.18 and 5.19 for perineal care specifics.
- Wash the client’s hair. See the “Shampoo” checklist for specific steps.
- Drain the tub per facility protocol and rinse the resident.
- Place warm towels to cover the resident.
- Pat dry.
- Ask the resident if they would like lotion. If applying lotion, wear gloves.
- Assist the resident to put on a clean gown or clothes, keeping a dry towel over the back of the shower chair to prevent getting the gown or clothes wet.
- Place nonskid footwear on the client.
- Assist the resident to stand per their care plan.
- Dry the back of their legs.
- Dry the perineal area from front to back.
- Finish putting on clothes.
- Assist the resident to a wheelchair or other preferred surface, changing gloves and performing hand hygiene as soon as the resident is safely seated.
- Place all linens and soiled gown or clothing in a linen bag or designated hamper.
- Sanitize the bath chair per facility policy.
- Remove the gloves by turning them inside out.
- Post-Procedure Steps:
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Check for resident comfort and ask if anything else is needed.
- Be sure the bed is low and locked. Check the brakes.
- Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the resident.
- Open the door and privacy curtain.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Document and report any skin issues or changes noted with the resident.
