CNA Skill: Bedpan Assistance | Step-by-Step Guide for the Florida Exam

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This skill tests your ability to assist a resident who needs to use a bedpan. The resident is lying in bed and wearing a hospital gown. Proper technique involves protecting the bed, positioning the bedpan correctly, providing privacy, and thorough cleanup with attention to dignity.

Equipment and Supplies Needed

• Bedpan
• Disposable underpad (chux)
• Toilet paper
• Washcloth or hand wipe
• Gloves
• Towel

Step-by-Step Procedure

Here is an abbreviated overview of how to perform Bedpan Assistance during the Florida CNA clinical skills exam. The evaluator will score you on specific checkpoints, and every step matters.

1. Knock, enter, greet resident, introduce yourself, explain the procedure.
2. Provide privacy, wash hands, put on gloves, check ID.
3. Place a protective pad on the bed under the resident's buttocks/thigh area.
4. Position the bedpan: have the resident raise their hips, or roll them to one side to slide it under.
5. Position the bedpan correctly according to its shape (wide end under buttocks).
6. Raise the head of the bed slightly for comfort.
7. Leave the call light and toilet paper within reach, and ask the resident to call when finished or if they need help.
8. Provide privacy: step away or close the curtain.
9. When finished, put on gloves if removed, lower the head of the bed.
10. Remove the bedpan carefully.
11. Offer the resident a damp washcloth, paper towel, or hand wipe to cleanse their hands after using the bedpan.
12. Empty bedpan contents into the toilet, rinse the bedpan, and dry it.
13. Remove the protective pad, remove gloves, wash hands.
14. Provide call light, ensure comfort.

Common Mistakes on the Prometric Test

Based on our experience preparing thousands of students for Florida's CNA state exam, here are the most common mistakes candidates make on this skill:

• Bedpan positioned wrong: The wide end goes under the buttocks. Positioning it backwards is uncomfortable and can cause spills.
• Not providing privacy: You must step away or close the curtain while the resident uses the bedpan. This is a dignity checkpoint.
• Forgetting hand hygiene for the resident: After removing the bedpan, offer the resident a washcloth or wipe to clean their hands.

Test Day Tips for Bedpan Assistance

• Practice the two methods of getting the bedpan under the resident: having them raise hips OR rolling to the side.
• Remember the protective pad goes down first, then the bedpan.
• Don't forget the cleanup sequence: clean resident, empty bedpan, store properly.
• Bring two pairs of gloves: one to place the bedpan and a fresh pair to remove, empty, and clean it.
• Raise the side rail before you carry the bedpan away to empty it.
• Work with the bed at about the height of your pelvis to protect your back.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you position a bedpan correctly?

The wide, flat end of the bedpan goes under the resident's buttocks with the handle facing toward the foot of the bed. You can place it by having the resident raise their hips or by rolling them to one side.

Master This Skill with Video Demonstrations

Reading the steps is a great start, but watching the skill performed correctly makes a huge difference on test day. Our online CNA course includes:

• HD video demonstration of Bedpan Assistance performed exactly as Prometric expects
• Detailed narration explaining each checkpoint the evaluator looks for
• Practice scenarios and tips from experienced CNA instructors
• All 22 clinical skills plus written exam preparation

Start with a free course preview. See the quality of our video instruction before you commit.

All 22 CNA Clinical Skills

See the full CNA clinical skills guide, or jump to any skill: Handwashing · Mouth Care (Brushing Teeth) · Hand and Nail Care · Denture Care · Feeding a Resident · Taking a Pulse · Measuring Respirations · Changing an Occupied Bed · Dressing with One-Sided Weakness · Female Catheter Care · Emptying Urinary Drainage Bag · Female Perineal Care · Range of Motion (Lower Body) · Range of Motion (Elbow and Wrist) · Range of Motion (Shoulder) · Partial Bed Bath · Change of Position · Wheelchair Transfer · Foot Care · Ambulation with Gait Belt · Indirect Care.