Bathing Patients with 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloths

This guide provides instructions on how to properly bathe patients using 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) cloths as a substitute for regular soap and water in hospital settings.

Importance of Daily Bathing

• Daily bathing with CHG cloths protects patients from infections during their hospital stay.
• Initiating a bath on the admission day is critical despite patients often feeling tired, as it helps start hospitalization with minimal germs on the skin.

Communication with Patients

• Approach: Use positive language to encourage patients to bathe.
  • Example dialogue for tired patients: Explain the importance of a bath to start the hospitalization right.
  • Example dialogue for patients with wounds/tubes: Reassure them that the bath is necessary to keep germs away and can be done safely with assistance.

Bathing Preparation

• Supplies Needed:
  • 2% CHG cloths
  • Towel for covering exposed skin
  • Trash can (do not flush CHG cloths)
• Cloths Warming Instructions:
  • Use cloths at room temperature or warmed for patient comfort.
  • Warm cloths for 2 hours; they remain usable in the warmer for up to 84 hours.
  • Use cloths promptly once warmed; follow indicator lights on the warmer:
    • Yellow: Not ready
    • Green: Ready
    • Flashing Green: Use first
    • Red: Discard

Bathing Procedure

• Total Cloths Needed: 6 cloths for a full body bath (additional may be needed for larger patients or specific situations)
• Bathing Steps:
  1. Cloth 1: Face, neck, chest
  2. Cloth 2: Shoulders, arms, armpits, hands
  3. Cloth 3: Abdomen, groin
  4. Cloth 4: Right leg, foot
  5. Cloth 5: Left leg, foot
  6. Cloth 6: Back of neck, back, buttocks
• For Incontinence:
  • Clean area with usual wipes first, then use CHG cloths.
  • Allow to air dry, do not rinse.

Special Considerations

• Skin Conditions: Clean superficial wounds, rashes, stage one or two ulcers with CHG to prevent infection.
• Avoid: Large or deep wounds.
• Disposal: Dispose of CHG cloths in the trash.

Patient Self-Care

• Offer a handout with instructions for self-bathing or showering.
• If a patient prefers to shower, instruct them on using liquid CHG:
  • Apply outside water stream for at least 2 minutes.
  • Use provided mesh sponge for lathering.

Final Points

• Reinforce the protective benefits of CHG baths.
• Ensure patients understand the procedure and provide assistance with hard-to-reach areas.
• Emphasize the role of proper bathing in infection prevention.