Which part of the body should you start washing during a bed bath for an elderly resident?

• A. Face and eyes.
• B. Legs.
• C. Abdomen.
• D. Back and buttocks.

Answer: (A)

Starting with the face and eyes is best because you want to begin with the cleanest, most delicate area. Washing the face first uses a clean portion of the cloth and helps prevent soiled water from running onto parts you’ve already cleaned. You also protect the eyes by using proper technique (cleaning from the inner to the outer canthus) before any lower-body washing. After the face, you proceed top to bottom, keeping areas clean as you go and reducing the chance of spreading dirt or soap to cleaned skin. If you started with the legs or abdomen, dirty water could flow toward areas you’ve already cleaned, potentially causing irritation or contamination.