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Bathroom safety: wet floors and hot water

The bathroom is one of the commonest places for falls at home: wet floors, hot water and dizziness. When platelets are low, a fall is especially dangerous.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A grab bar fixed to a bathroom wall beside the toilet
Figure 1.Grab bars help prevent falls

01Short answer

Fit grab rails by the shower and toilet (a towel rail is not a grab rail). Use non-slip mats in the shower and on the floor. With weakness, use a shower chair and a raised toilet seat. Keep soap and shampoo at an easy height so you do not have to bend. Test the water temperature first, because neuropathy brings a burn risk. Do not lock the door from inside, and have someone at home. Light the way to the bathroom at night (“Night-time safety: protecting against falls and delay”). Store razors and sharp items safely (“Cuts and scrapes: the right first aid”). If you feel dizzy, sit down at once.

02Simple explanation

Grab rails.

Non-slip mats.

A shower chair.

Do not lock the door.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: when platelets are low, protecting yourself from falls and knocks reduces bleeding risk.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Hot water

Very hot water can lower blood pressure and cause dizziness.

Neuropathy

With reduced feeling, test the water with your elbow.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Hot waterVery hot water can lower blood pressure and cause dizziness.
NeuropathyWith reduced feeling, test the water with your elbow.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Grab rail
A sturdy support fixed to the wall.
Raised toilet seat
An add-on that makes standing up easier.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Grab rail.
  • Non-slip.
  • Sit down.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Are grab rails expensive?

Usually simple and cheap, with a big benefit.

Can I have a bath?

A shower is safer; if you bathe, have help.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Are grab rails expensive?

  2. Can I have a bath?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. NHS. Nosebleed
  6. MedlinePlus. Nosebleed
  7. MedlinePlus. Bleeding into the skin
  8. MedlinePlus. Blood transfusions
  9. MedlinePlus. Hemolytic transfusion reaction
  10. NHS. Loneliness
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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