During bedpan setup, which step ensures proper positioning for collection?

• A. Place protective pad on bed over bottom sheet, under buttocks/upper thigh area before placing bedpan and remove the pad after bedpan is removed
• B. Raise the head of the bed after positioning the resident on the bedpan
• C. Position bedpan to allow for collection
• D. Wear gloves when removing bedpan

Answer: (C)

The essential idea is making sure the bedpan sits in the right spot so waste will go into it. Positioning the bedpan correctly means sliding it under the resident so it sits securely and evenly, aligned with the body’s contour and centered under the buttocks. When the pan is well seated and level, there’s less risk of spills, discomfort, or skin irritation, and it’s easier for the resident to void or for you to empty the pan later.

Other steps support safety and dignity, but they don’t ensure collection. A protective pad is part of prep and cleanup, not the alignment that allows waste to be captured. Raising the head of the bed can improve comfort, but it doesn’t alone guarantee proper collection. Wearing gloves is about hygiene during handling, not the positioning that enables collection.