BED MAKING: HOW TO MAKE HOSPITAL BEDS FOR PATIENTS

 


BED MAKING:

Bed making is the technique of preparing different types of beds in order to make patients comfortable or his position suitable for the particular condition.


PURPOSE OF BED MAKING

To provide rest, comfort and safety to the patient by providing the right body alignment for patient’s condition.

To give the room or ward a neat and tidy appearance.

To help patient have a good relaxed sleep.

To keep it ready for an emergency (for quick admittance) in order to economies time and energy.

To prevent cross infection

To provide warmth to patient.


RULES OF BED MAKING

All requirements should be collected before starting.

Two nurses are required and they should work in harmony, avoiding jerky movements and jarring the bed.

The patient’s face must never be covered by sheets or blankets.

The patient must never be exposed.

Extra assistance should be available and if necessary, should be called upon to help lift the patient.

When pillows are being shaken the nurse should turn away from the patient.

Any conversation during bed making should include the patient and should not be on personal matters between the nurses.

 

POINTS TO NOTE WHEN MAKING BED

The bed should be free from crumbs and creases and should give maximum comfort to patient.

Pillows and other bed accessories should be well arranged to give support where necessary.

Bed should be made in such a way that the patient can be put into it without difficulty.

It should be suitable for treating certain conditions e.g. shock.

It should facilitate bathing patients without undue disturbances

It is required that two nurses make the bed work in harmony avoiding jerky movements and jarring the bed.

All requirements needed should be collected before starting bed making.


INFECTION PREVENTION IN BED MAKING

The nurse must wash her hands before and after bed making to prevent cross infection. Wear a disposable glove if bed is soiled. Bed clothes must be changed frequently to ensure cleanliness. When the bed linen of a patient is removed, it should not touch the floor or other patient’s bed or even the nurses’ uniform. To prevent droplet infection, the nurse should not come very close to the patient’s face. The linen removed from the isolation unit is first disinfected and then sent to laundry. Daily dusting of the surroundings and bed and proper disposal of excreta to keep the room /ward free from micro-organism.


Examples of bed accessories:

Bed cradle.

Sandbags.

Hot water bottle. 

Heart or cardiac table. 

Foot rest. 

Back rest. 

Polly for orthopedic patients. 


MAKING A SIMPLE UNOCCUPIED BED


REQUIREMENTS FOR MAKING A SIMPLE UNOCCUPIED BED

A trolley with the following items:

Two large cotton sheet.

One water proof or draw mackintosh if necessary.

One long mackintosh

One or two pillows

One blanket if necessary or optional

One counterpane.

 

STEP/ METHOD FOR MAKING A SIMPLE UNOCCUPIED BED

Collect, arrange items on trolley and send to bedside

Arrange items in order of use on a chair or heart table

Place long mackintosh on mattress if necessary

Place bottom sheet evenly on the bed

Tuck the sheet under the mattress at the top and bottom using envelops corners.

Pull sheet tight so that there are no creases and tuck in at the sides.

Place draw mackintosh across the bed with the upper Corner under the edge of the pillow and cover with draw sheet.

Place the pillows on the bed so that the open ends of the slip are away from the door.

Place top sheet on bed with the wrong side uppermost.

Fold over at the bottom and tuck in loosely to prevent restriction of patient’s feet.

Place the bed cover or counterpane loosely over the bed.

Tuck in at the bottom end under the mattress using envelope corners.

Fold top sheet over the counterpane.

Tuck in all sides under the mattress.

Remove trolley and chair.

Washes and dries hands or uses alcohol rub if applicable.


 MAKING SIMPLE OCCUPIED BED

Extra requirement in addition to simple unoccupied bed include;

Dirty linen bin 

Clean line

2 chairs/ heart table

The requirement is same as for that of simple unoccupied bed. Two nurses should always work together. In case it is needed clean linen is taken to the bed side on a trolley together with receptacle for soiled linen. Two chairs are place at foot end of the bed and the bed side locker moved to allow free access to all parts of the bed. For routine bed making the ward is closed that is a screen is placed across the ward door and the only persons allowed to enter are the nursing staff. If routine bed making is not in progress the individual bed is screened.

METHOD FOR MAKING SIMPLE OCCUPIED BED

 Explain the procedure to the patient provide privacy.

Place a chair or two at the foot end of the bed.

Un-tuck the bed cloth beginning from the top.

Remove counterpane or blanket if present and fold it into 3 parts stating from the bottom and lift it unto chair.

Do not expose patient

Remove all pillows except one and bed accessories where necessary.

If side to side method is employed, roll the patient gently from side to side and support him in this position.

Brush out cramps and dust found on the bottom sheet with a special brush or duster.

Roll separately to the patient’s back the draw sheet, mackintosh and the bottom sheet brushing all along.

Check the mattress cover, examine the mattress and bed stead to see if they are in good condition.

If the bottom sheet does not need changing, roll them back one after the other and tuck in firmly making envelope (miter) corners at the top.

Roll the patient to the finished side and support him.

Make the other side of the bed as previously described.

Both nurses then lift the patient to sitting up position and as one supports the patient, the other nurse arranges the pillows and makes them comfortable.

Both nurses move to the bottom part of the bed and one lift the patient’s feet while the other brushes crumbs from the bed. They both pull the sheet and tuck in under the mattress.

Replace all pillows and bed accessories removed.

Replace the top sheet as for simple bed.

Discard trolley.

Wash hands and document procedure in the nurses note.

NB: Clean patient if he has soiled himself before putting him on a clean sheet.

 

CHANGING BOTTOM SHEET FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

 

Requirements for changing bottom sheet from top to bottom

Same as for making occupied bed

 

1. Assembles the necessary equipment and materials

2. Explains procedure to patient and provides privacy

3. Places two chairs at the foot end of the bed

4. Loosens sheet at sides and foot of bed and places it on chairs

5. Leaves patient covered with the top sheet

6. Holds top sheet over patient’s shoulder with hand nearest to the head of bed

7. Moves patient to foot end of bed with help of an assistant and let him/her lean on heart table with pillow

8. Supports patient and remove pillow and places it on chair

9. Rolls the soiled sheets down from the top end of the bed to the patients buttocks

10. Makes top half foundation bed with clean sheets and arranges pillows at the top half of the bed.

11. Helps patient back to position keeping him covered.

12. One nurse lifts the patient’s legs whiles the other removes the soiled bottom sheet and places it in the dirty linen container

13. Pulls down the clean bottom sheet, mackintosh and the draw sheet

14. Both nurses pull the bottom sheet tight and tuck it in.

15. Finishes making bed using top sheet

16. Clears items and remove screen

17. Washes and dries hands

18. Document findings

CHANGING OF PATIENT’S BOTTOM SHEET FROM SIDE TO SIDE.

Requirement, same as above

 

1. Explain procedure to patient and ensure privacy.

2. Collect and arrange items on trolley

3. Arrange sheet in order of use on chairs or heart table.

4. Loosen sheets at the side of the bed and leave patient with only one pillow and cover her or him with top sheet.

5. Turn patient to one side of the bed supported by assisting nurse.

6. Roll dirty bottom sheet and mackintosh under patient.

7.Cover the bed with a clean rolled bottom sheet halfway in the middle of the bed

8. Put on draw mackintosh and draw sheet across bed tucking in greater part nearest to the door.

9. Remove dirty bottom sheet and place it in a receptacle.

10. Pull sheet tight and tuck in bottom sheet using envelope corners.

11. Cover patient with top sheet and leave him comfortable.

12. Clear equipment and remove screen.

13. Wash and dry hand.

14. Inform charge nurse about any observations made on patient.

 

ADMISSION BED

 

OBJECTIVES OR REASONS FOR MAKING ADMISSION BEDS

It makes it easy and quick to admit patient especially those who are acutely ill.

To have it warm if necessary, for the comfort of the patient.

To admit certain cases such as accident, shock and hemorrhage.

To facilitate bathing the patients especially bed ridden patient etc. without undue disturbances.

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR MAKING ADMISSION BED

 

Trolley with the following items:

Long mackintosh

Two bath blankets

Bed blocks or elevator, bed cradle, back rest or any other bed accessories depending on patient’s condition.

Two covered hot water bottles.

Extra requirement needed to be added to those required for simple bed

Trolley with the following items:

Long mackintosh

Two bath blankets

Bed blocks or elevator, bed cradle, back rest or any other bed accessories depending on patient’s condition.

Two covered hot water bottles.


Method/Steps For Making Admission Bed

Collect, arrange items on trolley and send to bedside.

Arrange items in order of use on a chair or heart table.

Place bottom sheet evenly on the bed.

Tuck the sheet evenly under the mattress at the top using envelope corners.

Place draw mackintosh across bed and cover with draw sheet.

Place long mackintosh on bed.

Use one bath blanket or sheet over and tuck in all around or fold under itself

 Place second bath blanket over the bed

 Put in hot water bottles if necessary-

 Put on top bed cloths

 Place counterpane loosely over the top bed cloths.

 Tuck in the bed clothes on the other side.

 Fold the bed clothes on the other side nearest to the door, leaving it open to facilitate quick admittance.

 

MAKING A CARDIAC BED

A bed specially made for patient with chronic heart disease, pulmonary conditions and those having difficulty in breathing. The aim of this type of bed is to keep patient in an upright position preventing pressure on the heart and the abdominal organs. The upright position eases breathing, making patient more comfortable.

 

Extra Requirements To Those Of Admission Bed

A back rest, extra pillows, bed table /cardiac table with plastic covered soft pillows, air ring in a cotton cover, foot rest or sand bags, bed cradle, extra sheet if necessary.

 

STEPS/METHOD FOR MAKING CARDIAC BED

1. Collect and arrange items on trolley and sends to bedside.

2. Arranges items in order of use on a chair or heart table.

3. Places bottom sheet evenly on the bed and tuck the sheet under the mattress at the top and bottom using envelope corners.

4. Pull sheet tight so that there are no creases and tuck in at the sides under the mattress at the top and bottom using envelope corners.

5. Places draw mackintosh across bed and covers with draw sheet and tucks in.

6. Place covered air ring in between the mackintosh and the draw sheet.

7. Places/elevates back rest at top of bed and arrange pillows in an arm chair -like fashion.

8. Place top sheet on bed with the wrong side upper most and fold sheet over at the bottom.

9. Place foot rest in position.

10. Place heart table with covered pillow in position.

11. Place sputum mug and bell within reach of patient.

12. Provide pen and paper if patient is literate

13. Clears chairs/heart table, trolley, washes, dries hand or use alcohol rub if applicable


Method/ steps FOR MAKING AN OCCUPIED BED

Make bed as for a simple bed until the draw sheet is in position.

Place back rest at the top of bed.

Arrange as many pillows as necessary behind the patient.

Keep him comfortable in the sitting up position.

Place covered airing at the patient buttocks to prevent press sores.

Place bed cradle to lift weight of bed cloth off patient.

 Cover patient with an extra sheet if required.

Place heart table in position with covered pillow for leaning on.

Place foot rest in position at foot end of the bed.

Place top sheet and counter pane in position.

Leave patient comfortable.

NB

In many instances the patient finds it more comfortable to lean slightly forward resting his hands and heads on the pillow. place over the bed table when drawn up. The position also gives the patient a slight change in his breathing.

 

OPERATION BED

This is a type of bed made ready to receive a patient from surgery or operation

 

OBJECTIVES FOR MAKING OPERATION BED

Have the bed ready to receive patient on his return from the operating theater.

To counteract shock.

To get the patient into bed as quickly as possible.

To protect the linen from vomitus and saliva

To clean the mouth of any saliva or vomitus for which purpose a tray is prepared.


REQUIREMENTS FOR MAKING AN OPERATION BED

Extra requirement to be added to those required for a simple bed’- Mockintosh or simple towel, one or more blanket if necessary, hot water bottle if necessary, bed blocks or bed elevators, bed-cradle, intravenous infusion stand and oxygen apparatus depending on the condition of the patient.

A tray by the bed side containing the following:

(a) Vomit bowl

(b) Dressing towel,

(c) Tray containing the following

Tray for vital signs

Swab holding forceps

Tongue holding forceps.

Spatula

Galipot with gauze swabs

Galipot with cold water

A receiver for used swabs

A receiver for mouth wash

Blood pressure apparatus

A chart for recording vital signs


STEPS FOR MAKING OPERATION BED

Collect and arrange items on trolley and send to bedside.

Arrange items in order of use on a chair or heart table

Places bottom sheet evenly on bed and tuck it under the mattress at the bottom using envelope corners.

Pull sheet tight so that there are no creases and tuck it under the mattress at the bottom using envelope corners.

Places draw mackintosh across bed and cover with draw sheet.

Places protective dressing towels at top of bed towards the side 

Leave pillows on chair by the bed.

Spread blanket on bed.

Place top sheet on with the wrong side uppermost and turn back the bottom end.

Fold the top bed cloth at the open side in 3 parts over the bed for easy admission of the patient.

Places a post anaesthetic tray by the bed side containing vomit bowl, dressing towel, kidney dish containing swab holding forceps, dissecting forceps, tongue holding forceps and spatula. 

Arrange other bed accessories by the bedside- drip stand, bed rails, and blood pressure apparatus.

Washes, dries hand or use alcohol rub if applicable.

 

 DIVIDED BED

Definition: A bed made to facilitate observation, examination and treatment of the following condition with minimum disturbances

 

1. Pelvic and abdominal wound

2. Lower limb amputation to observe for bleeding and to avoid weight of bed clothes from the part.

3. haemorrhage from the lower of the abdomen, pelvis and limbs

 

Objective for Making divided bed

1. To examine the lower part of the body or abdomen.

2. To examine the rectum and vagina for e.g.Heamorrhoidectomy – Removal of heamorrhoid. Heamorrhoid is the enlargement of the vein of the anus as consequence of prolongs constipation and frequent diarrhea.

3. For catheterization

4. In dressing of the perianal region e.g. heamorrhoidectomy.

5. In treatment of fracture of the femur.

Extra requirements added to those of simple bed are...

Two bed sheets

Two counterpanes

Dressing mackintosh or waterproof sheet and towel

Two sand bags

Roller towel or strong calico,

tourniquet and towel

Bed elevators/blocks

Bed cradle – to be used when necessary.

 

METHOD FOR MAKING OPERATION BED

Make bed as for simple bed until the draw sheet is in position.

Place dressing mackintosh and sheet in position.

Put bed accessories in position if necessary.

put sand bag with roller towel in position

Put towel and tourniquet in tray by the bed side.

Elevate foot end on bed.

Put bed cradle in position

Put to bed clothes over the bed cradle in two sections with the bottom part overlapping the top by 10 – 15 cm.

The bed clothes are folded back at the sides of the division for observation, examination and treatment where necessary.


FRACTURE BED

This is a type of bed with firm base or support for nursing patient with fractures. The aim is to prevent further damage and minimize pain.

 Extra requirement in addition to those of simple bed: –

Fracture boards

Bed blocks or elevators

Sand bags with covers

Bed cradle if necessary

STEPS/ METHODS FOR MAKING FRACTURE BEDS

a)Place fracture boards under the mattress to provide firm support and prevent sagging.

b)Make bed as for a simple bed until the draw sheet is in position.

c)Put bed accessories in position if necessary.

d)Place top bed cloths in position and tuck them in neatly.


BED MAKING FOR DRYING WET PLASTER OF PARIS (POP) BED

Note:

Care must be taken not to dent plaster.

Extra requirement to be added to simple bed are...

1 Fracture board,

2 Pillow with plastic covers

3 Mackintosh

4 Towel and bed cradle.

METHOD FOR BED MAKING FOR DRYING PLASTER OF PARIS

Place fracture boards under mattress to prevent sagging and possible cracking of plaster.

Make bed as far simple bed until draw sheet is in position.

Place bed cradle on bed

Put on top cloth and fold them neatly over the cradle.

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