1) A sitz bath involves submerging a patient's perineal area in warm water to aid healing of perineal wounds, reduce pain and swelling, and promote relaxation and increased circulation. 2) The procedure involves having the patient sit in a basin of warm water between 105-110°F for 20 minutes while contracting and relaxing their anal sphincter muscles. 3) The patient is monitored during the procedure and it is discontinued if any adverse effects like dizziness or weakness occur.

1. PROVIDING SITZ BATH
• By vijaya

2. Definition
A procedure whereby patient’s perineal area/buttocks are submerged in warm water
Purpose
1. To aid the healing process of perineal wounds.
2. To reduce pain and discomfort
3. To reduce swelling and irritation
4. To increase circulation
5. To promote relaxation
• Contraindications
1. Diabetes
2. Impaired peripheral sensory function

3. Articles
1. Sitz bath basin
2. Warm water(temp 105 to 110°F)
3. Medication if ordered
4. Bath thermometer
5. Clean gloves
6. Towel
7. Sheet

4. Procedure
1. Wash hands
2. Add required quantity of ordered medications, e.g. betadine into sitz bath basin.
3. Fill basin with warm water at a temperature of 105 to 110°f
4. Keep basin on a low stool with toilet seat up.
5. Assist patient with removal of any dressing or peripatetic and position and Assist to sit in sitz bath basin
6. Place a towel on patient’s thigh and cover the shoulders with a sheet.
7. Don’t leave patient unattended during procedure.
8. Instruct patient to contract and relax anal spincter while taking sitz bath
9. Allow patient to sit for 20 minutes, then Assist with drying and applying dressing or peripatetic as required.

5. 10. Discontinue the procedure if any adverse effects like dizziness, weakness, accelerated pulse rate, or pallor occurs.
11. Assist patient back to bed and Instruct to stay in bed for 20 minutes with hip elevated.
After procedure
1. Clean and replace all the reusable articles. If the basin is to be autoclaved, arrange for it.
2. Wash hands
3. Document