5.9 Skills Checklist: Partial Bath
- Gather Supplies: Wash basin, warm water, soap, lotion, two washcloths, one towel, barrier, gloves, clean clothes or gown, and linen bag or hamper. See Figure 5.25[1] at the end of this checklist for an image of a wash basin.
- Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:
- Knock on the client’s door.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
- Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times.
- Provide for privacy.
- Explain the procedure to the client.
- Procedure Steps:
- Put on gloves.
- Fill the basin with warm water and place it on a flat surface with a barrier underneath. Have the resident check the water temperature by placing their hand in the basin or putting a wet washcloth on the back of their hand.
- Raise the bed height to a working height.
- Keep the resident covered as much as possible using a bath blanket or bed linens.
- Wash the resident’s face using water only.
- Pat dry the face.
- Remove the gown from one arm, keeping the rest of the body covered.
- Place a towel under one arm, only exposing the arm.
- Wet a washcloth, put soap on the washcloth, and wash the arm with soap.
- Wash the hand with soap.
- Wash the underarm with soap. Place the washcloth containing soap on the edge of the basin or barrier.
- Rinse the arm with the second washcloth.
- Rinse the hand.
- Rinse the underarm.
- Pat dry the arm.
- Pat dry the hand.
- Pat dry the underarm.
- Move to the other side of the bed and repeat actions on the other side of the body.
- Dispose of the gown into a linen bag or laundry hamper.
- Ask the resident if they would like lotion. When applying lotion, wear gloves.
- Assist the resident to put on a clean gown or clothes.
- While wearing gloves, empty the equipment.
- Rinse the equipment.
- Dry the basin.
- Return the equipment to storage.
- Dispose of soiled linen in the designated laundry hamper.
- Remove the gloves, turning them inside out.
- Post-Procedure Steps:
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Check for resident comfort and 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.
View a YouTube video[2] of an instructor demonstrating a partial bath:
- "Wash Basin" by Landon Cerny is licensed under CC BY 4.0 ↵
- Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Partial Bath. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0. https://youtu.be/iR1r-_SKVpc ↵
