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Tepid Sponge Bath

A tepid sponge bath is used to reduce a patient's fever by gently patting their skin with washcloths soaked in warm water between 27-37°C (80-99°F) for 30 minutes. Key steps include mixing warm and cool water to reach the proper temperature, patting the forehead, face, back and extremities, monitoring vital signs, and documenting the patient's response. The goal is to lower the fever safely within a reasonable time frame without causing shivering.

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Jeonoh Florida
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176 views

Tepid Sponge Bath

A tepid sponge bath is used to reduce a patient's fever by gently patting their skin with washcloths soaked in warm water between 27-37°C (80-99°F) for 30 minutes. Key steps include mixing warm and cool water to reach the proper temperature, patting the forehead, face, back and extremities, monitoring vital signs, and documenting the patient's response. The goal is to lower the fever safely within a reasonable time frame without causing shivering.

Uploaded by

Jeonoh Florida
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TEPID SPONGE BATH

Definition: A bath using tepid water and wash cloth or sponge to reduce fever.
Purpose/s:
Equipment:
Basin
Pitcher filled with hot water.
Pitcher with cold water.
Waterproof underpad or rubbersheet
Bath blanket
Wash clothes (about 6 pieces)
Bath towel
Thermometer in a thermometer tray
Working gloves
Bath thermometer

Procedure

Action Rationale

1. Identify the client and take vital Provides the baseline data to be used when
signs. Assess patient’s condition. evaluating the client’s response to the
treatment.
2. Explain the procedure to client or Informing the client elicits cooperation.
watcher.

3. Wash hands and assemble all Removes transient microorganism and reduces
equipment and bring to bedside. the risk of cross-contamination to client and
self.
4. Close doors and windows in To provide privacy, and protect from draft.
private rooms or draw curtains in
the ward. Put off air conditioner
or electric fan.

5. Adjust the bed to the working Protects your back from strain.
height.
6. Don gloves. Lay the waterproof Prevents the linens from getting wet.
underpad.
7. Change the topsheet with a bath Avoids exposure to draft.
blanket. Remove client’s gown.
Starting from the farther arm.
NOTE: If with IVF, refer to
cleansing bed bath for the
removal of gown. This is the normal range of water temperature
in a tepid bath.
8. Pour/ mix water in a basin with
the temperature of 27-370C (80-
980F). Immerse 6 washcloths into
the basin. Pour cold water and
mix with hot water until the
temperature reaches 27-37 oC These areas contain large superficial blood
(80-90OF). vessels that help the transfer of heat.
9. Wring, roll and apply washcloth
to the forehead.
Note: Check regularly the
temperature of the washcloths. Promotes a decrease in temperature within a
safe time frame and avoid the chance of
10. Gently pat the 6 wash cloths on chilling.
the client’s face, neck extremities, A bath given less than 30 minutes tend to
back and buttocks. The whole increase body heat production by causing
procedure should last for 30 shivering.
minutes.
Blood vessels are located deeper and TSB is
not very effective to reduce temperature.
Abdomen and chest are not
The friction caused by rubbing may raise the
usually sponged.
body temperature and covering prevents
11. After sponging each body part, exposure to draft.
pat dry with bath towel and cover
it with the bath blanket. When client’s temperature is slightly above
normal, procedure can be discontinued to
12. Monitor the client’s reaction to prevent rebound effect.
treatment, and recheck TPR after Temperature will go down naturally.
15 minutes and after completing
the bath.
Discontinue procedure if 1-20F Light clothing maintains the body temperature.
above desired level is obtained. Excessive clothing and covering can result to a
13. Remove washcloths from temperature elevation.
forehead, axillae, groins and pat
dry these areas. Change the
client’s gown and replace the bath Promotes client’s safety and convenience.
blanket with the topsheet.
14. Lower the bed to its previous
height.
15. Do the aftercare of equipment Provides information to the health care team
used. regarding the client’s response to the
treatment; a legal record of the care giver.
16. Document the treatment
performed, client’s vital signs,
response and any complications.
DOCUMENTATION:

DATE TIME NURSES NOTES


5- 22 -17 8 AM Vital signs checked.
Temperature 39‘C. Tepid
sponge bath done
continuously for 20 minutes.
Temperature rechecked
8:15 AM 38’C. Encouraged to
increase oral fluid intake.
Temperature decreased to
8:30 AM 37.5‘C . Kept comfortable in
bed

Sandra Park, St.N.

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