Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Sitz bath or hip bath is a bath in which a patient sits in water up to the hips to relieve discomfort and pain in the lower part of
the body. Sitz bath works by keeping the affected area clean and increasing the flow of blood.
A sitz bath may be created simply by filling a bathtub with some water and sitting in it for a few minutes. Alternatively, a
large basin can be used. There are also special devices that fit into toilet bowls. Sitz baths may either be warm or cool.
Some people find alternating between hot and cold water soothing. Sitz baths may be filled with just water, or substances
such as salt, baking soda or vinegar can be added.
Origin of Term
The term sitz bath is derived from the German word Sitzbad,meaning a bath (Bad) in which one sits (sitzen).
Objectives
To relieve muscle spasm
To soften exudates
To hasten healing
Purposes
1. To aid healing a wound in the area by cleaning on discharges and slough
2. To induce voiding in urinary retention
3. To relieve pain, congestion and inflammation in cases of: hemorroids, tenesmus, rectal surgery, anal fissures,
after proctoscopic or cycloscopic exams., sciatica, uterine and renal colic.
4. To induce menstruation.
Indications
Hemorrhoids
Anal Fissures/Surgery
Episiotomy
Uterine Cramps
Important Considerations
Warm water should not be used if considerable congestion is already present.
The patient should be observed closely for signs of weakness and faintness.
After the patient is in the tub or the chair, check to see whether or not there is pressure against the patient’s thighs
or legs.
Support patient’s back in the lumbar region.
Contraindication
Menstruating or pregnant women
Equipment
Sitz tub half filled with water 105F
Pitcher of water 130F
Bath thermometer
Fresh camisa
Bath towel
Bath blanket
Preparation
1. Take all necessary equipment to bathroom or treatment room.
2. Run water into tub and check temperature—105F or 40.5C
3. Place rubber ring at bottom of tub p.r.n. or line bottom with towel.
Charting
Type of solution
Length of time of application
Comfort of patient
Equipment
Available bathroom with appropriate size tub for patient.
Inflatable ring
Check physician’s order for sitz bath patient. To know if it is indicated for the patient.
Explain purpose and procedure to patient. For the patient to be aware on the purpose and procedure.
Test the water in a sitz with a thermometer before the Warm water should not be used if considerable congestion
patient enters the tub. If the purpose of the sitz bath is to is already present. If the purpose of the sitz bath is to
apply heat, water at a temperature of 43°C to 46°C for 15 produce relaxation or to help promote healing in a wound
minutes will produce relaxation of the parts involved after a by cleaning it of discharge and debris, then water at a
short contraction. temperature of 34°C to 37°C is used.
Wrap a bath blanket around the patient’s shoulders, and This protects the patient’s from feeling chilly and form
drape the ends over the tub. exposure.
Test the water in the tub several times, and keep it at the
desired temperature. Additional hot water may be added by The water should be agitated by stirring it as hot water and
pouring it slowly form a pitcher or by opening a hot-water added to prevent burning the patient.
fauce a little bit.
Help the patient out of the tub when the bath is completed.
Normally, a hot sitz bath should be continued for 15 to 30 Help the patient dry, and cover the patient adequately.
minutes.
Assist the patient to his bed, where it is best for him to lie
down, and out of drafts until normal circulation returns.