Bed Bath Procedure (OSCE Standard)
1. Preparation
● Wash your hands.
● Introduce yourself to the patient and explain the procedure.
● Ensure privacy by closing curtains or doors.
● Gather all supplies: basin with warm water, soap, washcloths, towels, clean clothes,
gloves, and waterproof pad.
● Adjust bed to a comfortable height.
2. Safety & Comfort
● Make sure the patient is comfortable and covered with a blanket or sheet to maintain
dignity and warmth.
● Place a waterproof pad under the patient to keep the bed dry.
● Check the water temperature is warm, not hot (test on your wrist).
3. Procedure
● Put on gloves.
● Start with the face: no soap, just water, wash eyes (inner to outer corner) with different
parts of the washcloth.
● Wash the neck and ears gently.
● Move to the arms and hands: expose one arm at a time, wash, rinse, and dry
thoroughly.
● Wash the chest and abdomen, exposing only the area you’re washing.
● Cover the patient back up after each section to maintain warmth.
● Wash the legs and feet: expose one leg at a time, wash, rinse, dry, and pay attention
between toes.
● Change water if it gets dirty or cold.
4. Perineal Care (if included)
● Explain you will be cleaning the genital area.
● Use clean gloves and separate the legs gently.
● Clean from front to back using a clean part of the washcloth each time.
● Rinse and dry thoroughly.
● Cover the patient immediately after and replace any used linens.
5. Finishing Up
● Remove gloves, wash hands again.
● Help the patient into clean clothes or cover with a clean sheet.
● Ensure the patient is comfortable and warm.
● Dispose of or clean used equipment.
● Document the care given.
Tips for the exam:
● Always talk to the patient and keep them informed.
● Maintain privacy and dignity.
● Use proper hand hygiene.
● Don’t rush — be gentle and thorough.
● Safety first (bed rails up if needed).
Oral Toileting Procedure (OSCE Standard)
1. Preparation
● Wash your hands.
● Introduce yourself and explain the procedure to the patient.
● Ensure the patient is sitting upright or with the head turned to one side to avoid choking.
● Gather supplies: gloves, toothbrush or foam swab, toothpaste (if allowed), cup of water,
towel or basin.
2. Safety & Comfort
● Put on gloves.
● Protect the patient’s clothing with a towel.
● Make sure the patient is comfortable and can breathe easily.
3. Procedure
● Moisten the toothbrush or foam swab with water.
● Apply a small amount of toothpaste if appropriate.
● Clean all surfaces of the teeth gently: front, back, and chewing surfaces.
● Brush the tongue gently.
● If the patient has dentures, remove them carefully, clean, and place them back if
instructed.
● Use a cup of water to rinse the mouth, assisting the patient to spit or using suction if
needed.
● Wipe the mouth and chin with a towel.
4. Finishing Up
● Remove gloves and wash your hands.
● Help the patient return to a comfortable position.
● Dispose of or clean used equipment.
● Document the care provided, including any abnormalities like sores or bleeding.
Quick reminders:
● Always explain what you’re doing.
● Be gentle to avoid causing discomfort or injury.
● Maintain patient dignity and privacy.
● Watch for signs of choking or distress.
Occupied Bed Making Procedure (OSCE Standard)
1. Preparation
● Wash your hands.
● Introduce yourself and explain the procedure to the patient.
● Ensure privacy by closing curtains or doors.
● Gather all clean linen: fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillowcases, blanket.
● Adjust bed to a comfortable working height and lower bed rails on your side.
2. Safety & Comfort
● Ensure the patient is comfortable and covered with a blanket or sheet.
● Ask the patient to roll onto their side, away from you (if able).
● Place a waterproof pad or draw sheet under the patient if needed.
3. Remove Soiled Linen
● Loosen the linen on the side you are working on without shaking it.
● Roll soiled linen away from the patient, tucking it under their back.
4. Place Clean Linen
● On the exposed mattress area, place the clean fitted sheet or mattress protector
smoothly.
● Place the clean flat sheet over the fitted sheet, tucking in at the foot of the bed.
● Roll the clean linen toward the patient, tucking it under their back.
5. Turn Patient and Complete the Other Side
● Ask the patient to roll over onto the clean linen side.
● Remove the soiled linen on the other side, rolling it up carefully.
● Pull the clean linen through smoothly and tuck it in securely.
● Smooth out any wrinkles to prevent pressure sores.
6. Change Pillowcase
● Remove the old pillowcase without shaking it.
● Place clean pillowcase on the pillow.
● Help the patient with positioning of the pillow comfortably.
7. Finishing Up
● Make sure the patient is comfortable, warm, and safe.
● Raise the bed rails and adjust the bed to a safe height.
● Dispose of or launder used linen appropriately.
● Wash your hands.
● Document the care provided if required.
Quick OSCE tips:
● Maintain patient privacy and dignity.
● Avoid shaking linen to prevent spreading microorganisms.
● Keep linens tight and wrinkle-free.
● Communicate with the patient throughout.
Unoccupied Bed Making Procedure (OSCE Standard)
1. Preparation
● Wash your hands.
● Gather all clean linen: fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillowcases, blanket.
● Ensure the bed is clear of any items.
● Adjust bed to a comfortable working height.
● Put on gloves if needed.
2. Remove Soiled Linen
● Remove all soiled linen carefully, folding dirty linen inward to contain contamination.
● Place soiled linen in the laundry bag or hamper.
3. Make the Bed
● Place the clean fitted sheet on the mattress, making sure it fits snugly with no wrinkles.
● Place the flat sheet on top, tucking it neatly at the foot of the bed and leaving enough
length for the patient to be covered.
● Add blankets or bedspread smoothly on top.
● Make hospital corners at the foot of the bed to keep linen tight and neat.
4. Pillowcase
● Remove old pillowcase and replace with clean one.
● Fluff and position the pillow comfortably at the head of the bed.
5. Finishing Up
● Ensure the bed looks neat, smooth, and wrinkle-free.
● Dispose of or launder soiled linen properly.
● Wash your hands.
● Document the care if required.
Tips:
● Keep linen away from your uniform.
● Handle linen gently to avoid contamination.
● Smooth, wrinkle-free bedding helps prevent pressure sores.
● Maintain infection control throughout.
