Definition:
A sponge bath given to a person with fever.
Effects:
Reduces fever or lowers body temperature.
Sedative effects.
Things Needed:
Basin of water—temperature as indicated.
Sheet or blanket to cover patient.
Two bath towels.
One face towel or washcloth.
Ice cubes as indicated.
Alcohol.
Hot Sponge Bath is given to patients with very high fever
but whose skin of the legs and arms are cold. Water for hot sponge
bath should be as hot as can be tolerated. The sponge bath should
be done fast and with friction to encourage blood to the surface.
The sponge may be repeated after 1 or 2 hours if the fever persists.
Procedure:
Make the patient comfortable. Remove clothing and cover with
a sheet or blanket. Close windows to avoid drafts.
Protect the bed with the towels as each part is being sponged.
Put one bath towel across the chest and sponge the face, ears,
and neck. Dry the areas that had been sponged with the towel across
the chest.
Sponge one part at a time in the following order: arms, chest,
abdomen, legs, feet and back. For the arm or leg, spread the towel
under the whole length of the arm or leg while it is being sponged.
Rub skin briefly with the face towel to draw blood on the surface.
Dry each part after the sponge to avoid chilling. Be sure the
patient is dry before replacing clothing and covers. Hot drinks
(kalamansi juice) may be offered to encourage perspiration.
Cold Sponge Bath is used in cases where the skin is dry and
hot. Cold water is used for sponge bath but in case where skin is
burning hot, ice cubes may be put in the water. Avoid chilling the
patient. A cold compress on the forehead or armpits may be placed
while the sponge is being done. Chilling with shivering will cause
the temperature to rise. Sponge may be repeated or prolonged until
the desired effects are obtained, or until the fever goes down.
Procedure:
Remove clothing and cover patient with sheet or blanket. Place
cold compress on the forehead and armpits. Renew compress as often
as you can.
Sponge one part at a time, in the same order as the hot sponge
bath. Friction is used to bring blood to the surface and to increase
the rate of circulation to hasten the cooling process. The skin
may be left slightly moist, fan lightly with the towel till skin
is dry. Evaporation lowers body temperature. Hot lemonade may be
given.
Tepid SpongeBath is given to restless and very tense patient
with fever. It has a sedative effect, relaxing the patient. Water
temperature is 94-98°F, or comfortably warm if tested with the
elbow. This time there should be no friction or rubbing on the skin.
Sponge and dry skin very gently with very little rubbing. Prolong
the treatment for relaxing effect and to allow more evaporation.
Procedure:
Remove clothing and cover patient with sheet or blanket. Room
should be quiet and dim. No glaring lights.
Sponge one part at a time, in the same manner as the hot
sponge bath. Dry patient well with very gentle rub. A gentle alcohol
rub on the back may be given after the sponge. Saline Sponge Bath
is given to patient who Is inactive and sleeps most of the time. Saline
or salt bath has a mild tonic or stimulating effect. It makes the
patient active. Water temperature should be 96-100°F or a little
bit warmer than the tepid sponge. One half (1/2) cup of salt is added
to a basin of water. Sponge with friction and repeat till desired
effect is obtained.
Procedure:
Sponge in the same manner as the cold sponge bath.
