Final answer:
In a complete bed bath, the area that should be bathed last is the perineal area to avoid spreading bacteria or infection to other parts of the body. Always start with cleaner areas and progress to dirtier ones, changing water and using different cloths to prevent contamination while ensuring patient comfort and dignity.
Step-by-step explanation:
When giving a complete bed bath, it is important to follow the proper sequence to maintain hygiene and comfort. The area to be bathed last is typically the most contaminated area of the body, which is the perineal area, or the area around the genitals and anus. This approach minimizes the risk of spreading bacteria or infection to other parts of the body during the bath.
To perform a bed bath, one should generally start with the cleaner areas of the body such as the face, arms, and torso, and proceed towards the dirtier areas, finishing with the perineal area. Each part of the body should be washed, rinsed, and dried one at a time, to maintain warmth and privacy. Changing the bath water when it becomes soiled and using different parts of the washcloth for different areas of the body can also help prevent cross-contamination.
Remember, the patient's comfort and dignity should always be considered throughout the process, using gentle motions and ensuring the patient is covered as much as possible.