Bed making is a fundamental nursing procedure that ensures patient comfort, prevents skin breakdown, and maintains a clean environment. Her...
Bed making is a fundamental nursing procedure that ensures patient comfort, prevents skin breakdown, and maintains a clean environment. Here's a basic overview of the steps involved:
1. Gathering Supplies:
Before starting, collect all necessary linens:
Bottom sheet (fitted or flat)
Draw sheet (optional, for repositioning and moisture absorption)
Top sheet
Blanket or duvet
Pillowcases
Laundry hamper or bag
2. Hand Hygiene and Explanation:
Perform thorough hand hygiene.
Explain the procedure to the patient, ensuring their comfort and cooperation. If the patient is present, ask them if they have any preferences or need assistance getting out of bed temporarily.
3. Removing Soiled Linens:
Loosen all linen from around the mattress.
If the patient is able to get out of bed, assist them.
Starting from the head of the bed, carefully roll soiled linens inward, away from your uniform and the patient, containing any dirt or moisture.
Place soiled linens directly into a laundry hamper or bag; do not place them on the floor or furniture.
4. Cleaning the Mattress (if necessary):
Inspect the mattress for any spills or stains. If present, clean the mattress according to facility policy and allow it to dry completely.
5. Applying New Linens:
Bottom Sheet:
Place the clean bottom sheet on the bed. If it's a fitted sheet, secure it over the mattress corners.
If using a flat bottom sheet, place it with the center fold in the middle of the bed. Tuck the top of the sheet under the mattress at the head of the bed, and then make hospital corners at the top.
Move to the side of the bed, pulling the sheet taut and smoothing out any wrinkles. Tuck the sides under the mattress.
Repeat on the other side.
Pillowcases:
Change pillowcases. Hold the clean pillowcase by the center of the closed end, turning it inside out over your hand. Grasp the pillow with the same hand and pull the case over the pillow. Ensure the pillow is completely inside the case and the open end is neatly tucked or positioned away from the patient's face.
6. Final Touches:
Adjust the bed to a comfortable position for the patient, or leave it in the lowest position if the patient is out of bed.
Ensure the call light is within reach.
Straighten the bedside table and environment.
Perform final hand hygiene.
Special Considerations:
Occupied Bed Making: If the patient cannot get out of bed, the procedure is modified. You would typically work on one side of the bed at a time, rolling the patient gently to one side while changing the linens on the other, then rolling them back over the clean linens to complete the bed.
Safety: Always prioritize patient safety. Ensure side rails are up as appropriate, and the bed brakes are on during the procedure.
Infection Control: Always follow standard precautions, including wearing gloves if there's a risk of contact with body fluids.
Bed making, while seemingly simple, is an important task that contributes significantly to the patient's overall well-being and recovery.
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