In a partial bath, what should you do with the resident's coverage?

• A. Expose the arms and chest to speed up washing.
• B. Keep the resident covered as much as possible with blanket or towels.
• C. Remove all clothing at the start.
• D. Move to another room.

Answer: (B)

During a partial bath, the priority is the resident’s privacy and comfort. You should keep the resident covered as much as possible with a blanket or towels, exposing only the area you are washing. This protects dignity, helps maintain body warmth, and reduces distress while you complete the necessary cleansing. After washing the exposed area, promptly redrape to preserve modesty. Exposing too much of the body or removing all clothing isn’t appropriate for a partial bath and can lead to coldness and discomfort. Moving the resident to another room isn’t needed for a routine partial bath and can disrupt their sense of safety.