Nursing Foundation

1. PROVIDING SITZ BATH

2.  A procedure whereby patient’s perineal area/ buttocks are
submerged in warm water.
DEFINITION

3.  To aid the healing process of perineal wounds
 To reduce pain and discomfort
 To reduce swelling and irritation
 To increase circulation
 To promote relaxation.
PURPOSES

4.  Following surgery in the anorectal region
 Following incision in the perineum. Eg. Episiotomy
 Swollen painful hemorrhoids.
INDICATIONS

5.  Diabetes, peripheral vascular diseases
 Impaired, peripheral sensory function
 Immediate post hemorrhoidectomy
CONTRAINDICATIONS

6.  Sitz bath basin
 Warm water (temp 105-110 degree Fahrenheit/40-43 degree
centigrade)
 Medication if ordered
 Bath thermometer
 Clean gloves(optional)
 Towel
 Robe or sheet.
ARTICLES

7.  Check the physician’s order nursing care plan
 Identify the patient.
 Assess the patient’s condition, pain level and ability to
ambulate to the bathroom
 Wash hands
 Add required quantity of ordered medication, eg.betadine into
the Sitz bath basin.
 Fill the basin with warm water at a temperature of 105-110
degree Fahrenheit/ 40-43 degree centigrade.
PROCEDURE

8.  Keep the basin on a low stool/ potty chair/ toilet bowl with
toilet seat up.
 Assist patient with removal of any dressing or peripad and
position and assist to sit in sitz bath basin.
 Place a towel on the patient’s thigh and cover the shoulders
with a sheet.
 Do not leave the patient unattended during the procedure.
Instruct patient to contract and relax anal sphincter while
taking sitz bath.
PROCEDURE

9.  Allow patient to sit for 20 minutes, then assist with drying
and applying dressing or peripad as required.
 Discontinue the procedure if any adverse effects like
dizziness, weakness, accelerated pulse rate or pallor occurs.
 Assist patient back to bed, and instruct to stay in bed for 20
minutes with hip elevated
 Clean and replace all the reusable articles. If the basin is to
be autoclaved, arrange for it.
 Wash hands.
 Document tolerance of procedure, pain and appearance of the
perineal area/ wound area.
PROCEDURE