COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING
B a g Te c h n i q u e
KRISTINE JOY L. VELANDO, RN, MAN
OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
• Define bag technique and explain its purpose in
community health nursing.
• Identify the principles and contents of the public health
nurse’s bag.
• Demonstrate proper sequencing of steps in performing
the bag technique following Dr. Maglaya’s guidelines.
• Apply infection control principles during a simulated
home visit.
Definition
• A bag technique is a systematic way of using the public health
nurse’s bag during home visits to carry out nursing
procedures efficiently, effectively, and aseptically.
• It helps prevent cross-infection and saves time during
community health nursing work.
Purpose
• Prevent cross-contamination between nurse, patient, and
environment.
• Save time and effort in delivering nursing care during home
visits.
• Organize supplies for efficient use.
• Promote professionalism in community nursing practice.
Important
• The nurse’s bag is only for clean articles.
• Contaminated materials are kept separate in designated
containers.
• Proper sequencing of activities should be followed to avoid
contamination.
• Handwashing is done before and after nursing care.
CONTENTS OF THE BAG
• Basic items: soap, towel, hand
sanitizer, alcohol
• Nursing supplies:
thermometer, stethoscope, BP
apparatus
• Sterile articles: cotton balls,
gauze pads, forceps
• Medications: as per health
center policy
• Waste disposal materials:
paper bag, plastic bag,
newspaper/plastic sheet
STEPS IN BAG TECHNIQUE
Steps in Bag Technique (Community Health Nursing)
[Link] Before Visit
[Link] hands.
[Link] and check the bag (supplies and equipment should be complete, clean, and well-
arranged).
[Link] the patient and plan the procedure.
[Link] at the Patient’s Home
[Link] the patient and family politely.
[Link] the purpose of the visit.
[Link] a clean, well-lit area for placing the bag (preferably on a clean table covered with
a newspaper, clean towel, or plastic lining).
[Link] of the Bag
[Link] the bag on the clean surface.
[Link] the bag carefully, exposing only the needed side.
[Link] the principle of clean and dirty areas inside the bag.
[Link] Hygiene
[Link] hands properly (if water and soap are unavailable, use alcohol/hand sanitizer).
[Link] Out Nursing Procedures
[Link] out only the needed articles in an organized way.
[Link] the nursing care required (examination, treatment, health teaching, etc.).
[Link] reusable articles to the bag after proper cleaning and disinfection.
[Link] the Procedure
[Link] and dispose of wastes properly (use paper bag, plastic, or burn if necessary).
[Link] and disinfect equipment before putting them back.
[Link] and secure the bag.
[Link] Leaving the Home
[Link] hands again.
[Link] observations, interventions, and health teachings given.
[Link] thank the patient and family before leaving.
PRINCIPLES OF BAG
TECHNIQUE
[Link] of Cross-Infection
[Link] bag should not become a source of infection.
[Link] and sterile items must be separated from used/contaminated ones.
[Link] hygiene before and after handling the bag prevents the spread of microorganisms.
[Link] and Organization
[Link] and equipment must be arranged systematically to save time and effort.
[Link] the needed items should be taken out to avoid contamination and confusion.
[Link]
[Link] bag must be ready for use at any time during home visits.
[Link] should be complete, clean, and properly arranged for easy access.
[Link]
[Link] must be used wisely (avoid wastage).
[Link] equipment should be disinfected and returned properly to minimize costs.
[Link] Safety and Comfort
[Link] should be carried out without causing harm or unnecessary inconvenience to
the patient and family.
[Link] environment must be left clean and orderly after the procedure.
[Link]
[Link] nurse should demonstrate good manners, neatness, and respect for the patient’s
home.
[Link] bag technique should reflect the standards of nursing practice.
[Link]
[Link] and interventions should be recorded immediately after the visit to ensure
continuity of care and accountability.
List of Community Bag
Paraphernalia’s
Vital Signs & Measurement Tools
•Thermometer
•Tape measure
•Baby scale
•Blood Pressure Apparatus (BP apparatus)
•Stethoscope
•Penlight
•Wrist watch
Medical Instruments
•Surgical scissors
•Bandage scissors
•Straight forceps
•Curved forceps
•Test tube & test tube holder
•Cord clamp
•Kidney basin
•Disposable syringes (1 ml, 3 ml, 5 ml – quantities listed: 3 each)
•Sterile dressings
•Cotton balls (wet & dry)
List of Community Bag
Paraphernalia’s
Chemicals / Solutions
Betadine
70% Isopropyl alcohol
Spirit of ammonia
Acetic acid
Benedict’s solution
Personal Protective Items
Apron (e.g., maroon)
Hand towels (e.g., 2 pcs)
Soap (in a dish) or liquid soap
Pairs of sterile gloves
Basic Linings & Protection
•Paper lining (e.g., 2 pcs)
•Plastic lining (e.g., 2 pcs)
•Wastebags or extra paper liners
List of Community Bag
Paraphernalia’s
Documentation & Writing Tools
•Clipboard
•Tri-pen (three-color pen)
Medication
•Paracetamol
•Mefenamic
•Mentol oil ( white flower, Kantinko )
