sponge bath

bath (bath)

1. a medium, e.g., water, vapor, sand, or mud, with which the body is washed or in which the body is wholly or partially immersed for therapeutic or cleansing purposes; application of such a medium to the body.

2. the equipment or apparatus in which a body or object may be immersed.

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colloid bath  one containing gelatin, starch, bran, or similar substances.

contrast bath  alternate immersion of a body part in hot and cold water.

emollient bath  one in an emollient liquid, e.g., a decoction of bran.

half bath  a bath of the hips and lower part of the body.

hip bath  sitz b.

sitz bath  immersion of only the hips and buttocks.

sponge bath  one in which the body is not immersed but is rubbed with a wet cloth or sponge.

whirlpool bath  one in which the water is kept in constant motion by mechanical means.

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sponge bath

n.

A bath in which a wet sponge or washcloth is used without immersing the body in water.

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sponge bath,

the procedure of washing the patient with a damp washcloth or sponge, used when a full bath is not necessary or when lowering of body temperature is required.

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sponge bath

Nursing A bath performed on a Pt with prescribed bed rest. See Bath.