Toilet Needs During Hospitalization When Unable to Move

When unable to move during hospitalization, urinary and fecal issues can be addressed through standardized procedures and assistive tools. If abnormalities occur, healthcare personnel should be called promptly.

Urination Problem Handling Process

1. Assess Needs and Prepare Tools

   • Observe whether the patient shows signs of needing to urinate (such as frequent twisting, lower abdominal bulging) or judge based on their regular urination patterns.
   • Prepare a bedpan/urinal, urine pads, and cleaning supplies (such as wet wipes, warm water, towels), ensuring tools are clean and conveniently placed.

2. Assist with Posture and Aid Urination

   • Supine Position Urination: Assist the patient in bending their knees, placing their feet on the bed, raising their hips, and steadily placing the bedpan under their hips to prevent leakage.
   • Induced Urination Methods: Create conditions for urination by listening to running water, applying a warm compress to the lower abdomen (be cautious of temperature to avoid burns), gently massaging the bladder area, adjusting posture (such as lying on the side), rinsing the perineum with warm water, or guiding deep breathing relaxation.

3. Clean Up and Observe Reactions

   • After urination, clean up excreta, wash the perineum with warm water, observe urine status (such as color, turbidity, presence of blood in urine), and record urine volume.
   • Change soiled bedsheets and clothing, keep the environment dry, and prevent pressure sores.
   • Abnormal Situation Handling: If induced urination is ineffective after half an hour and symptoms such as a hard and painful lower abdomen, dribbling urine, restlessness, cold sweats, or nausea occur, call a nurse immediately. The nurse will first attempt further induction or a warm compress; if still ineffective, catheterization will be performed.

Fecal Issue Handling Methods

1. Using a Bedpan

   • Nursing staff assist the patient in turning to the side, steadily place the bedpan under their hips, keep the hips suspended (can be propped up with a pillow or towel) to avoid local pressure causing pressure sores.
   • Clean the perineum promptly after use to prevent skin irritation.

2. Adult Diapers

   • Suitable for patients with mild incontinence or temporary use. Choose products with strong absorbency and good breathability.
   • Check and change every 2-4 hours, clean the skin immediately after defecation to avoid moisture-induced rashes or infections.

3. Bedside Defecation Aids

   • Foldable Bedside Commode/Nursing Bed with Bedpan: Suitable for patients who can sit up briefly. When using, adjust the head of the bed to raise it by 30-45 degrees to prevent orthostatic hypotension and secure the equipment to prevent slipping.
   • Disinfect the bedpan or aid promptly after defecation to maintain cleanliness.

Precautions: Regularly assess the skin condition of long-term bedridden patients to prevent pressure sores; if there is difficulty in defecation (such as constipation), laxatives or suppositories can be used as prescribed by a doctor to avoid blood pressure fluctuations or other complications caused by straining during defecation.