Bedpan/Urinal Administration of 

Purpose: 

To provide the resident unable to use the bathroom with adequate facilities for elimination. 

Equipment: 

• Bedpan of appropriate size 

• Urinal 

• Toilet tissue 

• Towel and washcloth 

• Measuring receptacle if intake and output are to be measured 

• Wash basin 

• Specimen container if needed 

• Disposable gloves 

Procedure: Bedpan 

1. Preparation: 

• Raise the side rail on the far side of the bed. 

• Position the resident on their back, roll them away from you, and position the bedpan. 

2. Positioning: 

• Gently roll the resident onto the bedpan. 

• Raise the head of the bed until the resident is in a comfortable sitting position. Adjust the top linen for privacy. 

3. Providing Supplies: 

• Place toilet tissue and the call light within the resident's reach. 

• Instruct the resident to call for assistance when needed. 

• If a specimen is to be collected, instruct the resident to call for assistance before using toilet tissue. 

4. After Elimination: 

• Lower the head of the bed. 

• Hold the bedpan to stabilize it, roll the resident away from you, and remove the bedpan. 

• Note: Do not place the bedpan on the floor or bedside stand. 

• Collect the specimen in the appropriate container if necessary (see procedure for specimen collection). 

5. Cleaning and Measuring: 

• Assist the resident or cleanse the perineal area well with tissue if the resident is unable to assist. Instruct the resident to clean toward the rectum. 

• Wash and dry the perineal area well with Provon, following protocol. 

• Remove the bedpan and note its contents. 

• Measure liquid output if necessary. 

• Clean and store the bedpan per facility policy. 

6. Post-Care: 

• Assist the resident in washing their hands. 

• Leave the resident in a comfortable position with the call light within reach. 

Procedure: Urinal 

7. Preparation: 

• Position the resident on the side of the bed in a sitting position unless contraindicated. 

• If the resident is not able to sit on the side of the bed, elevate the head of the bed as permitted. 

8. Positioning and Use: 

• Assist the resident in placing the urinal, keeping the closed end tilted downward to avoid spilling. 

• Raise both side rails, place toilet tissue and the call light within reach, and instruct the resident to call for assistance when needed. 

9. After Elimination: 

• Remove the urinal. 

• Note: Do not place the urinal on the floor or bedside stand. 

• Collect the specimen in the appropriate container if necessary (see procedure for specimen collection). 

10. Cleaning and Measuring: 

• Remove the urinal and note its contents. 

• Measure liquid output if necessary. 

• Clean and store the urinal per facility policy. 

11. Post-Care: 

• Assist the resident in washing their hands. 

• Leave the resident in a comfortable position with the call light within reach. 

Documentation: 

• Document bowel movements on the CNA Flowsheet. 

• Document urine output if the resident is on I&O. 

• Document the level of assistance provided on the CNA Flowsheet. 

Compliance and Documentation: 

• Adhere to CMS guidelines and Requirements of Participation for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• Document the procedure, including the resident’s response, in their medical record. 

• Note any observations related to output, skin condition, and overall comfort. 

• Regularly review and update techniques for the administration of bedpans and urinals according to the latest clinical best practices and regulatory standards. 

• Provide training to staff on proper procedures for administering bedpans and urinals to ensure resident safety and comfort. 

• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with this policy and address any gaps in practice or documentation. 

References: 

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). State Operations Manual (SOM), Appendix PP - Guidance to Surveyors for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• CMS Requirements of Participation for Nursing Homes.