Sitz bath or hip bath is a bath in which a patient sits in water up to the hips to relieve discomfort and pain in the lower part of the body. Sitz bath works by keeping the affected area clean and increasing the flow of blood.
Definition
Sitz bath or hip bath is a bath in which a patient sits in water up to the hips to relieve discomfort and pain in the lower part of the body. Sitz bath works by keeping the affected area clean and increasing the flow of blood.
A sitz bath may be created simply by filling a bathtub with some water and sitting in it for a few minutes. Alternatively, a large basin can be used. There are also special devices that fit into toilet bowls. Sitz baths may either be warm or cool. Some people find alternating between hot and cold water soothing. Sitz baths may be filled with just water, or substances such as salt, baking soda or vinegar can be added.
Origin of Term
The term sitz bath is derived from the German word Sitzbad,meaning a bath (Bad) in which one sits (sitzen).
Objectives
- To relieve muscle spasm
- To soften exudates
- To hasten the suppuration process
- To hasten healing
- To reduce congestion and provide comfort in the perineal area
Purposes
- To aid healing a wound in the area by cleaning on discharges and slough
- To induce voiding in urinary retention
- To relieve pain, congestion and inflammation in cases of: hemorroids, tenesmus, rectal surgery, anal fissures, after proctoscopic or cycloscopic exams., sciatica, uterine and renal colic.
- To induce menstruation.
Indications
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal Fissures/Surgery
- Episiotomy
- Uterine Cramps
Important Considerations
- Warm water should not be used if considerable congestion is already present.
- The patient should be observed closely for signs of weakness and faintness.
- After the patient is in the tub or the chair, check to see whether or not there is pressure against the patient’s thighs or legs.
- Support patient’s back in the lumbar region.
Contraindication
Menstruating or pregnant women
Equipment
- Sitz tub half filled with water 105F
- Pitcher of water 130F
- Bath thermometer
- Ice cap-with cover
- Fresh camisa
- Bath towel
- Bath blanket
- Rubber ring p.r.n.
Preparation
- Take all necessary equipment to bathroom or treatment room.
- Run water into tub and check temperature—105F or 40.5C
- Place rubber ring at bottom of tub p.r.n. or line bottom with towel.
Charting
- Type of solution
- Length of time of application
- Type of heat application
- Condition and appearance of wound
- Comfort of patient
Equipment
Available bathroom with appropriate size tub for patient.
- Towels and bathmat
- Bath blanket
- Inflatable ring
- Patient’s clean clothes
Procedure
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Check physician’s order for sitz bath patient. | To know if it is indicated for the patient. |
Prepare the materials needed:
|
To save time and effort |
| Explain purpose and procedure to patient. | For the patient to be aware on the purpose and procedure. |
| Test the water in a sitz with a thermometer before the patient enters the tub. If the purpose of the sitz bath is to apply heat, water at a temperature of 43°C to 46°C for 15 minutes will produce relaxation of the parts involved after a short contraction. | Warm water should not be used if considerable congestion is already present. If the purpose of the sitz bath is to produce relaxation or to help promote healing in a wound by cleaning it of discharge and debris, then water at a temperature of 34°C to 37°C is used. |
| Assist the patient into the tub and position him properly.Check to see whether there is pressure against the patient’s thighs or legs.If the patient’s feet do not touch the floor, and the weight of the legs is resting on the edge of the tub, a stool should be used to support the feet and to relieve the pressure on the back of the legs.It may also be necessary to place a towel in the water to support the patient’s back in the lumbar region.The bath can seem very long if one’s body is not in good alignment and comfortable. | |
| Wrap a bath blanket around the patient’s shoulders, and drape the ends over the tub. | This protects the patient’s from feeling chilly and form exposure. |
| Observe the patient closely for signs of weakness and fatigue. A cold compress may be placed at the back of the neck or forehead, to help prevent the patient from feeling weak. Discontinue the bath if the patient’s condition warrants. | Typical signs of faintness include skin pallor, a rapid pulse rate, and nausea. |
| Test the water in the tub several times, and keep it at the desired temperature. Additional hot water may be added by pouring it slowly form a pitcher or by opening a hot-water fauce a little bit. | The water should be agitated by stirring it as hot water and added to prevent burning the patient. |
| Do not leave the patient alone unless it is absolutely certain that it is safe to do so. | |
| Help the patient out of the tub when the bath is completed. Normally, a hot sitz bath should be continued for 15 to 30 minutes. | Help the patient dry, and cover the patient adequately. |
| Assist the patient to his bed, where it is best for him to lie down, and out of drafts until normal circulation returns. |