 Thermometer (be sure to place it in a

TEPID SPONGE BATH

thermometer tray)
STEP RATIONALE  Gloves

1. Do initial steps.   1. Step 1

2. Take resident's
temperature by route
appropriate for resident
(according to
procedure #42 or #43).
3. Exposing one part of the
body at a time,
gently sponge with tepid
water (lukewarm)
for approximately 5
minutes. Begin with
face and extremities, then
back.
4. While sponging, place
cool compresses on
forehead, axillas, and groin.
5. Monitor temperature
every ten minutes
while sponging resident.
6. After completing the bath, 6. To evaluate the
take resident's
temperature again.
2. Provides nurse with a
baseline temperature Assess the condition of your patient. This data
reading. will serve as a basis in evaluating the patient's
response to the treatment.
2. Step 2
3. Slow, gentle motions are
indicated because
Explain the method to the patient or the watcher.
firm rubbing motions increase
By providing them some information about the
heat production.
procedure, it will be much easier for them to
Cool sponges given rapidly or
cooperate.
for a short
period of time tend to
increase the body's 3. Step 3
heat production.
Bring all equipments and set them on the area
4. The axillary and groin near the bed. Carefully check all of your
areas contain large materials to make sure everything is there.
blood vessels that are close to
the skin's
surface, which aid the transfer 4. Step 4
of heat.
Wash hands thoroughly before starting the
5. To evaluate the procedure.
effectiveness of the bath.
5. Step 5
effectiveness of the bath. Close the door or the partition sheets (if at the
ward) to provide privacy.

7. Do final steps.  
6.
I verify that this procedure was taught and successfully
demonstrated according to facility policy.
How to Do Tepid Sponge Bath in a Hospital Setting
Step 6
Adjust the patient's bed on a certain height that is
accessible for working. This is beneficial on your
side as it protects you from straining your back.

Tepid sponge bath is considered as one of the best cooling 7. Step 7

treatments. This method is recommended for febrile
individuals, especially those with fever ranging from 102.2 Place the bed protector or rubber sheet on
F or higher. It is effective in relieving fever by reducing patient's bed to protect bed linens.
high temperature and also helpful in alleviating pain or
discomfort. Read on to learn more about how to do tepid
8. Step 8
sponge bath in a hospital setting.

Put on your working gloves. This prevents

Things You'll Need:
transmission of contaminants.

 Basin
9. Step 9
 Pitcher filled with hot water
 Pitcher filled with cold water
 Small towels Carefully remove patient's clothing and place the
 Bath towel and blanket bath blanket on top of him to ensure privacy.
 Rubber sheet (for adults), bed protector (for
children) 10. Step 10
 Fill in your basin with cold water and mixed it up
with hot water. Make sure to check its
temperature. It should be neither too hot nor too
cold. Appropriate temperature is 27 to 37 degrees
C.
11. Step 11
Immerse or dip small towels in the lukewarm
water. Squeeze it to avoid dripping, and gently
apply on the forehead, the axilla or armpits and
the groin area. Do this for about 20 to 30 minutes
and repeat if necessary. Heat transfer is much
more effective when compresses are applied on
areas with large superficial blood vessels such as
the axillary and groin areas.
12. Step 12
Carefully wipe the patient's extremities for about
five minutes. Then proceed with back area and
buttocks for about five to 10 minutes. Abdomen
and chest areas are usually not included.
13. Step 13
Monitor the patients' response to the treatment by
checking his temperature. If it is slightly above
normal, discontinue the procedure.
14. Step 14
Replace the patients' clothing and cover him with
a light sheet. As much as possible, avoid letting
your patient wear heavy clothing or excessive
sheet covering as it will only elevate his
temperature.
15. Step 15
Now begin after care by doing the following:
change bed linens and remove the equipments
away from the bed to prevent transmission of
microorganisms, lower the patient's bed back to a
safer height, Remove gloves, and wash your
hands thoroughly.
16. Step 16
Document the procedure done, along with the
patient’s vital signs, response to treatment, and
complications if any
CHECKLIST FOR TEPID SPONGE BATH
CHECKLIST FOR TEPID SPONGE BATH
1. State the purpose of the procedure. Bring the
equipment to the bedside.
2. Explain the treatment to the patient, screen the
bed and put off electric fan or aircon.
3. Pour tap water into the basin.
4. Replace the top sheet with a bath blanket.
5. Remove the gown. Remove the pillow unless
contra indicated and place ice cap on the
forehead.
6. Sponge the face in a patting motion extending to
the neck using the “S” method then pat dry.
7. Starting with the father arm, fold the bath blanket
diagonally exposing the arm and place towel
lengthwise under it.
8. Sponge from the distal to proximal, in a patting
motion giving emphasis to the axilla, then dry
and cover.
9. Wet cotton balls or OS and place in the axilla or
use a face towel soaked in clod water.
10. Place the towel across the patient’s chest and fold
blanket down to the midline of the patient’s
abdomen. Sponge the then dry.
11. Expose the father leg by folding the blanket
diagonally and placing the towel underneath.
Sponge leg in a patting motion, giving emphasis
on he popliteal and groin, then pat dry. Do the
same on the other leg. Place wet cotton balls or
OS and use face towel soaked kin cold water for
groins.
12. Turn the patient towards the nurse and place the
towel lengthwise along the back and sponge then
dry.
13. Change the grown and linen as needed. Leave the
ice cap on the forehead and take TPR after 30
mins.