Should I stay in the room?

Give privacy if it is safe to do so, leaving the call light in reach, and return promptly when signaled.

When is a fracture pan used?

For residents who cannot raise their hips easily or have hip conditions. The thin edge goes under the buttocks.

Assisting with use of a bedpan: CNA skills test steps

Updated November 12, 2026 · Reviewed against official sources

With gloves on, turn the resident or have them raise their hips, place the bedpan correctly under the buttocks, raise the head of the bed, give privacy with the call light in reach, then remove the bedpan, clean the resident front to back and offer hand hygiene.

Your state's nurse aide candidate handbook is the authority on exam format, skills lists and scoring. This page explains the general picture and links the official sources.

Steps

KEYmarks 8 steps that candidate handbooks commonly treat as critical. Missing a critical step usually fails the skill.

1Knock, introduce yourself by name and title, and greet the resident by name.
2Identify the resident (for example, check the name band or ask the resident to state their name) per facility policy.
3Explain the procedure in simple words and ask the resident to help as much as they are able.
4Key step: Provide privacy: close the door and pull the curtain.
5Key step: Perform hand hygiene before touching the resident.
6Lower the head of the bed and raise the bed to a safe working height with the wheels locked.
7Put on gloves.
8Place a waterproof pad under the buttocks.
9Key step: Have the resident raise their hips, or turn them on their side, and position the bedpan correctly (wider end under the buttocks for a standard bedpan).
10Raise the head of the bed to a comfortable sitting position if allowed, and check that the resident is centered on the bedpan.
11Key step: Place toilet tissue and the call light within reach and give the resident privacy, staying nearby.
12When the resident signals, lower the head of the bed and remove the bedpan carefully, holding it steady.
13Help clean the perineal area front to back if the resident cannot, and dispose of tissue properly.
14Empty the bedpan into the toilet (measure first if output is being recorded), rinse it and store it.
15Key step: Remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, and help the resident wash their hands.
16Key step: Return the bed to its lowest position and make sure the wheels are locked.
17Key step: Place the call light and personal items within the resident's reach.
18Key step: Open the privacy curtain, perform hand hygiene, and report anything unusual to the nurse.

Common mistakes

Placing the bedpan backward.
Leaving the resident without the call light or toilet tissue.
Forgetting to offer the resident hand hygiene afterward.
Emptying without measuring when output is ordered.

Quick answers

Should I stay in the room?: Give privacy if it is safe to do so, leaving the call light in reach, and return promptly when signaled.
When is a fracture pan used?: For residents who cannot raise their hips easily or have hip conditions. The thin edge goes under the buttocks.

What to do next

Skills and the written test are scored separately, and you must pass both. Check your written readiness in about 15 minutes.

Take the free 20-question test

Sources

Checked: November 12, 2026. Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.