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ExamReady CNA
All skills
Personal Care

Modified Bed Bath

Wash face, hands, underarms, back, and perineal area without exposing the rest of the body. Use a bath blanket to keep the resident covered. Replace the water if it cools or gets soapy. Privacy is auto-failed if you walk away from the curtain.

15-20 minutes•15 steps•1 critical
Wash only what needs washing. Keep the rest covered.

Why this matters

Wash only what needs washing. Keep the rest covered.

Quick tips

  • Eyes first, no soap, clean cloth area every stroke, inner corner outward. This is the only bold step.
  • The resident, not you, decides if the water is comfortable. Ask, then wait for the answer.
  • Only the part you are washing is uncovered.

Common mistakes

  • Putting soap on the cloth before the eyes are done. Soap near the eyes irritates them, and the critical step is missed.
  • Wiping the eyes with the same spot on the cloth. You put back on one eye what you just removed, and the critical step is missed.
  • Starting the face at the forehead or cheeks and doing the eyes later. The checklist wants eyes first.
  • Deciding the water is fine yourself. The checklist has the resident verify the temperature.