Dictionary Definition
bedpan n : a shallow vessel used by a bedridden
patient for defecation and urination
User Contributed Dictionary
English
Noun
- a variety of chamber pot
that is used while still in bed, generally for reasons of
medical necessity or
convenience
- The nurse entered the hospital suite and emptied the patient's bedpan each morning.
Extensive Definition
A bedpan (or piss pot) is a toileting facility,
usually consisting of a metal, glass, or plastic receptacle for
urinary and fecal discharge. It is typically used in the case of
bedridden persons. Many diseases can confine a patient to bed,
necessitating the use of bedpans, including Alzheimer's
disease, Parkinson's
disease, apoplexia cerebri and dementia.
Conventional bedpans can cause problems, because
a steel bedpan is cold, hard and uncomfortable. Also, the
supporting area is very small and prolonged use can cause pressure
ulcers. To solve these
problems, new ergonomic bedpans have been developed, which support
the patient with a larger area of warm plastic. Some designs
completely cover the genitalia
during use, offering protection and an extra measure of privacy. In
recent years, the new style bedpan liner made by recycled pulp
(molded
pulp) is more popular in European hospitals; it is low cost and
also single-use, decreasing the risk of cross-communicated
disease.
Gallery
External links
bedpan in German: Steckbecken
bedpan in Russian: Судно (санитария)
bedpan in Swedish: Bäckenskål