Title: Administer or assist the client with self-administration of soaks and sitz baths.
Course: Medication Aide (14051-36) > Section: Examining Administration of Prepared Instillations and Treatments

Administration should include knowledge of the purpose of soaks and sitz baths to relieve pain, to cleanse, and to speed healing.

Administration should include following the procedure for assisting with soaks:

- Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
- Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
- Date and initial multi-use containers when opened.
- Wash hands.
- Put on gloves.
- Prepare the soaking solution and check the water temperature with a thermometer or on your wrist; the water temperature should be between 105º and 110º Fahrenheit; have the client check the water temperature and adjust if necessary.
- If adding a pharmaceutical solution, follow the instructions on the solution label.
- Immerse the body part in the solution; pad the edge of the basin with a towel if needed.
- Check the water temperature every 5 minutes and add hot water as needed to maintain the temperature (between 105º and 110º Fahrenheit).
- Check the reaction of the body part being soaked at least every five minutes and remove if the skin reddens or if the client complains of pain or numbness.
- Soak for the prescribed time; usually no more than 20 minutes.
- Remove the body part and dry thoroughly with a clean towel—this is particularly important when soaking the feet of a diabetic patient.
- Dispose of the soaking solution according to facility policy.

- Remove and properly dispose of gloves and wash your hands.

- Document the procedure according to facility guidelines.

Administration should include following the procedure for assisting with sitz baths:

- Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
- Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
- Date and initial multi-use containers when opened.
- Wash your hands.
- Put on gloves.
- Prepare the soaking solution and check the water temperature with a thermometer or on your wrist; the water temperature should be between 105º and 110º Fahrenheit; have the client check the water temperature and adjust if necessary.
- If adding a pharmaceutical solution, follow the instructions on the solution label.
- Position the client comfortably in the bath; stay with the client if the client is frail or cognitively impaired.
- Have the client remain in the bath for the prescribed period of time; usually no more than 20 minutes.
- Help the client from the bath, dry the skin or provide a towel and assist with dressing.
- Dispose of the bath water.

- Remove and properly dispose of gloves and wash your hands.

- Document the procedure according to facility guidelines.

Note: The client may have a disposable sitz bath which fits on the toilet seat. These are usually attached to a rubber bag containing warm water. If so, follow the instructions for use on the disposable product label.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why might a soak or sitz bath need to be administered?
- Why should multi-use containers be dated?