Heat and Cold Applications
Performing a Sitz Bath
Select a Skill:
- » Performing a Hot or Cold Soak
- » Performing a Sitz Bath
- » Applying a Hot or Cold Compress
- » Applying a Hot or Cold Pack or an Ice Bag, Collar, or Glove
- » Using an Aquamatic or Aquathermia Pad
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Purpose
- Heat applications can be applied to almost any body part. They are often used for musculoskeletal injuries or problems (sprains, arthritis). They cause blood vessels to dilate (expand or open wider). Heat relieves pain, relaxes muscles, promotes healing, reduces tissue swelling, and decreases joint stiffness.
- Heat applications may be moist (water is in contact with the skin) or dry (water is not in contact with the skin). Hot baths and sitz baths are moist heat applications.
- In a sitz bath, the perineal and rectal areas are immersed in warm or hot water. A hot bath is used for larger areas.
- A sitz bath is commonly used for persons who have hemorrhoids, who are recovering from rectal or perineal surgery, or who have had a vaginal delivery.
- Water conducts heat. Moist heat has greater and faster effects than dry heat. Heat penetrates deeper with a moist application. To prevent injury, moist heat applications have lower temperatures than dry heat applications.
- Follow the rules for applying heat and cold:
- Know how to use the equipment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Measure the temperature of moist applications. Follow agency policies for safe temperature ranges.
- Do not apply very hot (above 106˚F [41.1˚C]) applications.
- Ask the nurse what the temperature should be.
- Know the exact site of the application. Have the nurse show you the site.
- Provide for privacy. Expose only the body part involved.
- Maintain comfort and body alignment during the procedure.
- Observe the skin every 5 minutes for signs of complications.
- Do not let the person change the temperature of the application.
- Know how long to leave the application in place—up to 15 to 20 minutes.
- Place the call light within the person’s reach.
- Complete a safety check before leaving the room.
Equipment
Roll cursor over items to see labels. For the purposes of clearly depicting the equipment, a barrier is not shown in this photo. When providing care, a barrier should always be placed on the surface before placing the equipment.
Disposable sitz bath
Graduate container
Bath thermometer
Two bath blankets
Two bath towels
Clean gown
PrintableDelegation
- Follow delegation guidelines. Before performing a hot bath or sitz bath, obtain this information from the nurse and care plan:
- The type of application—hot bath or sitz bath
- What temperature to use
- The application site
- How long to leave the application in place
- What observations to report and record
- When to report observations
- What patient or resident concerns to report at once
Preparation
- Observe quality-of-life measures.
- Review the information under Delegation and Safety and Comfort.
- Practice hand hygiene.
- Collect equipment.
- Identify the person. Check the ID bracelet against the assignment sheet. Also call the person by name.
Safety
- Check the person every 5 minutes during a hot bath or sitz bath.
- With a hot bath or sitz bath, blood flow increases to the area being treated. Therefore, less blood flows to other body parts. The person may become weak or feel faint. Drowsiness can occur from the bath’s relaxing effect. Observe for signs of weakness, fainting, or fatigue. Also protect the person from injury. Check the person often. Keep the call light within reach, and prevent chills and burns.
- Some persons have medicated patches or ointments applied to the skin. Do not apply heat over such areas.
Comfort
- Provide for warmth. Use bath blankets as needed.
Procedure Video
Audio Description: OFFFollow-up Care
- Provide for comfort.
- Place the call light within reach.
- Raise or lower bed rails. Follow the care plan.
- Unscreen the person.
- Follow agency policy for soiled linen. Wear gloves for this step.
- Complete a safety check of the room.
- Remove and discard the gloves. Practice hand hygiene.
Reporting/Recording
- Report and record your observations, including:
- Complaints of pain, discomfort, numbness, or burning
- Excessive redness
- Blisters
- Pale, white, or gray skin
- Cyanosis (bluish color)
- Shivering
- Rapid pulse, weakness, faintness, and drowsiness
- Time, site, and length of application
Review Questions
Select the best answer.
1. Why may a sitz bath be ordered for a person?
INCORRECT. Heat applications, such as a hot bath or sitz bath, relieve pain, relax muscles, promote healing, reduce tissue swelling, and decrease joint stiffness.
INCORRECT. Heat applications, such as a hot bath or sitz bath, relieve pain, relax muscles, promote healing, reduce tissue swelling, and decrease joint stiffness.
INCORRECT. Heat applications, such as a hot bath or sitz bath, relieve pain, relax muscles, promote healing, reduce tissue swelling, and decrease joint stiffness.
CORRECT. Heat applications, such as a hot bath or sitz bath, relieve pain, relax muscles, promote healing, reduce tissue swelling, and decrease joint stiffness.
Select the best answer.
2. When performing a sitz bath, which action should you take?
Use very hot water, typically above 106˚F (41.1C).- Observe the skin every 15 minutes for complications.
Leave the person on the sitz bath for up to 15 to 20 minutes.- Allow the person to change the temperature of the water as desired.
INCORRECT. From the nurse and the care plan, find out how long to leave the person on the sitz bath—usually up to 15 to 20 minutes.
INCORRECT. From the nurse and the care plan, find out how long to leave the person on the sitz bath—usually up to 15 to 20 minutes.
CORRECT. From the nurse and the care plan, find out how long to leave the person on the sitz bath—usually up to 15 to 20 minutes.
INCORRECT. From the nurse and the care plan, find out how long to leave the person on the sitz bath—usually up to 15 to 20 minutes.
Select the best answer.
3. Which water temperature is appropriate for a sitz bath?
INCORRECT. Fill a sitz bath 2/3 full with hot water, which ranges from 98˚F to 106˚ F (36.6˚C to 41.1˚C). A water temperature of 93˚F to 98˚ F (33.8˚C to 36.6˚C) is warm. A temperature of 80˚F to 93˚ F (26.6˚C to 33.8˚C) is tepid.
INCORRECT. Fill a sitz bath 2/3 full with hot water, which ranges from 98˚F to 106˚ F (36.6˚C to 41.1˚C). A water temperature of 93˚F to 98˚ F (33.8˚C to 36.6˚C) is warm. A temperature of 80˚F to 93˚ F (26.6˚C to 33.8˚C) is tepid.
INCORRECT. Fill a sitz bath 2/3 full with hot water, which ranges from 98˚F to 106˚ F (36.6˚C to 41.1˚C). A water temperature of 93˚F to 98˚ F (33.8˚C to 36.6˚C) is warm. A temperature of 80˚F to 93˚ F (26.6˚C to 33.8˚C) is tepid.
CORRECT. Fill a sitz bath 2/3 full with hot water, which ranges from 98˚F to 106˚ F (36.6˚C to 41.1˚C). A water temperature of 93˚F to 98˚ F (33.8˚C to 36.6˚C) is warm. A temperature of 80˚F to 93˚ F (26.6˚C to 33.8˚C) is tepid.
Select the best answer.
4. Which complication may result from a hot bath or sitz bath?
CORRECT. With a hot bath or sitz bath, the person may become weak or feel faint. Drowsiness can occur from the bath’s relaxing effect. Observe for complications, such as a rapid pulse, weakness, faintness, and drowsiness.
INCORRECT. With a hot bath or sitz bath, the person may become weak or feel faint. Drowsiness can occur from the bath’s relaxing effect. Observe for complications, such as a rapid pulse, weakness, faintness, and drowsiness.
INCORRECT. With a hot bath or sitz bath, the person may become weak or feel faint. Drowsiness can occur from the bath’s relaxing effect. Observe for complications, such as a rapid pulse, weakness, faintness, and drowsiness.
INCORRECT. With a hot bath or sitz bath, the person may become weak or feel faint. Drowsiness can occur from the bath’s relaxing effect. Observe for complications, such as a rapid pulse, weakness, faintness, and drowsiness.
Select the best answer.
5. What part of the body may a sitz bath be used to treat?
INCORRECT. In a sitz bath, the perineal and rectal areas are immersed in warm or hot water. A hot bath is used for larger areas.
INCORRECT. In a sitz bath, the perineal and rectal areas are immersed in warm or hot water. A hot bath is used for larger areas.
CORRECT. In a sitz bath, the perineal and rectal areas are immersed in warm or hot water. A hot bath is used for larger areas.
INCORRECT. In a sitz bath, the perineal and rectal areas are immersed in warm or hot water. A hot bath is used for larger areas.
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