Fundamentals of Nursing Q 570
The most important purpose of cleansing bed bath is:
A. To cleanse, refresh and give comfort to the client who must remain in bed.
B. To expose the necessary parts of the body.
C. To develop skills in bed bath.
D. To check the body temperature of the client in bed.
Correct Answer: A. To cleanse, refresh and give comfort to the client who must remain in bed.
The nurse provides a bed bath for patients who must remain in bed and depend on someone else for their care. It is an important part of the patient’s daily care. Not only does it remove sweat, oil, and micro-organisms from the patient’s skin, but it also stimulates circulation and promotes a feeling of self-worth by improving the patient’s appearance. For patients who are on bedrest, bathing can also be a time for socialization.
Option B: During bed bath, the patient is always given privacy so as not to expose their intimate parts of the body. Some patients cannot safely leave their beds to bathe. For these people, daily bed baths can help keep their skin healthy, control odor, and increase comfort. If moving the patient causes pain, plan to give the patient a bed bath after the person has received pain medicine and it has taken effect.
Option C: The nurse may develop her skills in bed bath, but it is not the main purpose. A bed bath is a good time to inspect a patient’s skin for redness and sores. Pay special attention to skin folds and bony areas when checking. Encourage the patient to be involved as possible in bathing themselves.
Option D: A bed bath may give a relaxation effect on the patient. It may also stimulate blood circulation to the skin, respiration, and elimination; maintain joint mobility, and improve the patient’s self-image and emotional and mental well-being. It provides the nurse with an opportunity for health teaching and assessment; gives the patient psychological support, and the process of building rapport may begin during the initial bath.