Emesis basin
Encyclopedia
An emesis basin is a shallow basin
with a kidney
-shaped footprint and sloping walls (hence its alternate name, the kidney basin). Various sizes of emesis basin are a common sight in healthcare settings, including facilities such as nursing homes that may have bedridden patients. It was invented by Bessie Virginia Blount
.
Contrary to its name, emesis basins are not usually used for vomiting
, as the depth, size, and sloping walls all contribute to spilling or splashing the vomit rather than catching it. For this purpose, a plastic bag or wash basin is often preferred, especially by ambulance crews who may need to receive the vomit while driving rapidly, and then hand it over for analysis.
Emesis basins are suited for more controlled situations. When washing out a small wound, for example, sometimes the wash water is applied from above with an emesis basin held underneath to catch the runoff. The concave inner rim helps to conform to the curve of the body.
Bowl (vessel)
A bowl is a common open-top container used in many cultures to serve food, and is also used for drinking and storing other items. They are typically small and shallow, although some, such as punch bowls and salad bowls, are larger and often intended to serve many people.Bowls have existed for...
with a kidney
Kidney
The kidneys, organs with several functions, serve essential regulatory roles in most animals, including vertebrates and some invertebrates. They are essential in the urinary system and also serve homeostatic functions such as the regulation of electrolytes, maintenance of acid–base balance, and...
-shaped footprint and sloping walls (hence its alternate name, the kidney basin). Various sizes of emesis basin are a common sight in healthcare settings, including facilities such as nursing homes that may have bedridden patients. It was invented by Bessie Virginia Blount
Bessie Blount Griffin
Bessie Virginia Blount was a physical therapist, inventor, and forensic scientist also known by her married name, Bessie Blount Griffin.-Education:...
.
Contrary to its name, emesis basins are not usually used for vomiting
Vomiting
Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of the contents of one's stomach through the mouth and sometimes the nose...
, as the depth, size, and sloping walls all contribute to spilling or splashing the vomit rather than catching it. For this purpose, a plastic bag or wash basin is often preferred, especially by ambulance crews who may need to receive the vomit while driving rapidly, and then hand it over for analysis.
Emesis basins are suited for more controlled situations. When washing out a small wound, for example, sometimes the wash water is applied from above with an emesis basin held underneath to catch the runoff. The concave inner rim helps to conform to the curve of the body.