48
SKILL 17 Sponge Bath
USES 5. Undress child or expose areas where there are large
1. Children whose fever does not respond to antipyretics superficial blood vessels such as the axillary and inguinal
or who are very uncomfortable, e.g., fever > 104° F regions. Facilitates heat loss.
(40° C) 6. Sponge with tepid water. Avoid chilling. Shivering will
2. Children whose temperature elevation is caused by increase heat production and decrease heat loss.
heatstroke or malignant hyperthermia a. Child may be placed in tub for sponge bath or in bed
using a basin of water. Protect the bed with a plastic
NOTE: The procedure is controversial and may not be sheet covered with a bath blanket.
used in all agencies. b. Use gentle friction and slowly stroke the wet wash-
cloth over body. Brings blood to surface to help dissi-
EQUIPMENT pate heat.
Washbasin or bathtub 7. Sponge for 12–30 minutes unless child becomes chilled.
Tepid water (body temperature; should not feel warm or 8. Pat child dry with a towel and redress in lightweight
cold to touch) clothing.
Washcloths, small towels, or gauze squares 9. Take child’s temperature immediately after discontinu-
Dry towels and/or bath blanket ing sponging and again 30 minutes later.
Plastic sheet to protect bed (optional)
DOCUMENTATION
SAFETY
1. Time and duration of sponging.
1. Physical modalities should not be used until 30 minutes
to 1 hour after administering antipyretics. Use of physi- 2. Temperature and other vital signs.
cal modalities may activate heat conserving and produc- 3. How procedure tolerated, including child’s response.
ing mechanisms. Using physical modalities for treating
fever provides no additional benefit over antipyretics
alone and frequently are associated with increased client
discomfort. Physical modalities, however, are appropri-
ate measures for treating hyperthermia.
2. Never use cold water or alcohol for a sponge bath to
reduce fever.
a. Cold water can cause vasoconstriction and shivering,
which raises the central body temperature.
b. Alcohol reduces fever too rapidly and may lead to
convulsions, especially in a small child.
c. Alcohol fumes are toxic.
d. Both can make the child uncomfortable.
PROCEDURE
1. Gather equipment. Promotes organization and effi-
ciency.
2. Explain procedure to child and family. Enhances cooper-
ation and participation and reduces anxiety and fear.
3. Wash hands. Reduces transmission of microorganisms.
4. Take temperature, pulse, and respirations before pro-
ceeding. Provides a baseline for determining effective-
ness of treatment.
Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
