Bag Technique
Bag Technique
Bag Technique
Definition
Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through which the nurse,
during his/her home visit, can perform nursing procedures with ease and
deftness, saving time and effort with the end in view of rendering effective
nursing care.
Public health bag – is an essential and indispensable equipment of the public
health nurse which he/she has to carry along when he/she goes out home
visiting. It contains basic medications and articles which are necessary for
giving care.
Rationale
To render effective nursing care to clients and /or members of the family
during home visit.
Principles
1. The use of the bag technique should minimize if not totally prevent
the spread of infection from individuals to families, hence, to the
community.
2. Bag technique should save time and effort on the part of the nurse
in the performance of nursing procedures.
3. Bag technique should not overshadow concern for the patient rather
should show the effectiveness of total care given to an individual or
family.
4. Bag technique can be performed in a variety of ways depending
upon agency policies, actual home situation, etc., as long as
principles of avoiding transfer of infection is carried out.
Special Considerations in the Use of the Bag
1. The bag should contain all necessary articles, supplies and
equipment which may be used to answer emergency needs.
2. The bag and its contents should be cleaned as often as possible,
supplies replaced and ready for use at any time.
3. The bag and its contents should be well protected from contact with
any article in the home of the patients. Consider the bag and it’s
contents clean and /or sterile while any article belonging to the
patient as dirty and contaminated.
4. The arrangement of the contents of the bag should be the one most
convenient to the user to facilitate the efficiency and avoid
confusion.
5. Hand washing is done as frequently as the situation calls for, helps
in minimizing or avoiding contamination of the bag and its contents.
6. The bag when used for a communicable case should be thoroughly
cleaned and disinfected before keeping and re-using.
Contents of the Bag
Paper lining
Extra paper for making bag for waste materials (paper bag)
Plastic linen/lining
Apron
Hand towel in plastic bag
Soap in soap dish
Thermometers in case [one oral and rectal]
2 pairs of scissors [1 surgical and 1 bandage]
2 pairs of forceps [ curved and straight]
Syringes [5 ml and 2 ml]
Hypodermic needles g. 19, 22, 23, 25
Sterile dressings [OS, C.B]
Sterile Cord Tie
Adhesive Plaster
Dressing [OS, cotton ball]
Alcohol lamp
Tape Measure
Baby’s scale
1 pair of rubber gloves
2 test tubes
Test tube holder
Medicines
betadine
70% alcohol
ophthalmic ointment (antibiotic)
zephiran solution
hydrogen peroxide
spirit of ammonia
acetic acid
benedict’s solution
Note: Blood Pressure Apparatus and Stethoscope are carried separately.
Open the bag and take out the towel and soap. To prepare for hand washing.
Proceed in performing the necessary nursing To give comfort and security and hasten
care treatment. recovery
After giving the treatment, clean all things that To protect the caregiver and prevent
were used and perform hand washing. infection
Open the bag and return all things that were
used in their proper places after cleaning them.
Take the record and have a talk with the mother. Write down all the necessary data that
were gathered, observations, nursing care and treatment rendered. Give instructions for
care of patients in the absence of the nurse.
Rationale
3. Open the bag, take the linen/plastic To make a non-contaminated work field o
lining and spread over work field or area. area.
The paper lining, clean side out (folded part
out).
10. Proceed to the specific nursing care or To prevent contamination of bag and
treatment. contents.
After Care
1. Before keeping all articles in the bag, clean and alcoholize them.
2. Get the bag from the table, fold the paper lining ( and insert), and
place in between the flaps and cover the bag.
Evaluation and Documentation
1. Record all relevant findings about the client and members of the
family.
2. Take note of environmental factors which affect the clients/family
health.
3. Include quality of nurse-patient relationship.
4. Assess effectiveness of nursing care provided.
Reference:
Community Health Nursing Services in the Philippines, DOH