Hygiene-Elimination: Changing and Applying Incontinent Briefs

(content adapted from Potter & Perry, 2014, Ch. 37)

1. Gather necessary equipment: gloves, wash basin with warm water, washcloth/
peri wipes, soap/ cleanser, towel(s), barrier cream as necessary, linens as
necessary, size appropriate brief, garbage disposal bag,
2. Perform hand hygiene, provide privacy
3. Explain procedure to patient
4. Lower head of bed down as tolerated, adjust bed height to working position
5. Lower bed rail on working side
6. Donn clean gloves
7. Lower blankets, raise gown to reveal incontinent brief
8. Undo securement tapes and attach them onto itself to avoid sticking to
patient/linens
9. Lower incontinent brief, don't be tempted to remove it and wipe down. This can
force stool into the vaginal opening or into the penis causing a urinary tract
infection
10. If stool is present, use wipes to clean from front to back. Soiled wipes can be
contained inside the incontinent brief.
11. Continue cleaning with moistened wash cloth/wipe using proper peri-care
techniques. - Gloves to be changed if soiled with stool throughout procedure
12. Roll incontinent brief onto itself to avoid touching patient and soiling the linen
13. Change gloves, turn patient to side away from you (Using proper turning,
positioning, & body mechanic techniques)
14. Continue with peri-care. Clean the buttocks with wipes and/or wash cloth.
15. Assess skin for any areas of breakdown due to incontinence, pressure, etc. Apply
barrier cream if indicated.
16. Tuck new brief under old brief, ensuring that the securement tapes are at top end
of brief across patient’s backside. Carefully position brief so that it is centered at
the buttock fold and the top edge is at hip level. This should allow enough front
coverage of the brief in the next steps.
17. Roll patient back to supine position
18. Raise side rail and walk around to the other side.
19. Help patient turn to opposite side so that you can remove the old brief and
dispose. Assess positioning of new brief and adjust as needed.
20. Apply the securement tapes on both sides of brief while patient is lying
supine. Make sure that it is a snug fit, but that the brief is not so tight that it's
going to cause skin breakdown. Determine the best side/positon patient should
be in.
21. Remove and dispose of gloves, lower patient’s gown.
22. Ensure patient’s comfort, and safety (bed to lowest position, call bell etc.)
23. Perform hand hygiene
24. Document characteristics of stool and skin assessment

GBC NSE 12 Winter term 2017 S.Sun and V.Parkin