What is the first thing you should do when preparing to bathe a patient?

When preparing to bathe a patient, ensuring privacy and gathering all necessary supplies is essential for a number of reasons. First, maintaining the patient's privacy creates a comfortable and respectful environment, which is crucial for their dignity and emotional well-being. It also helps build trust between the patient and caregiver. Gathering necessary supplies beforehand allows the caregiver to work efficiently and minimizes interruptions during the bathing process. This also means that the caregiver is less likely to have to leave the patient unattended, which can enhance safety. Therefore, starting with these two actions sets a foundation for a positive and effective bathing experience.