Checklist-Bag Technique
Checklist-Bag Technique
Checklist-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.
Steps/Procedures
Actions Rationale
4. Take out hand towel, soap dish and To prepare for handwashing.
apron and the place them at one corner of
the work area (within the confines of the
linen/plastic lining).
17. Make appointment for the next visit For follow-up care.
(either home or clinic), taking note of the
date, time and purpose.
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