Making an Occupied Bed
Purpose
- To change the linen with the least possible disturbance to the patient.
- To draw or fix the sheets under the patients very firmly so that it would not wrinkle.
- To remove crumbs from the bed.
- To make patient feel comfortable.
Equipments
- Necessary linen.
- Tray for stripping and airing.
- Laundry bag or hamper
Procedure
- Do the medical handwashing.
- Gather equipments at bed side and arrange according to use. Explain procedure to patient and screen.
- Loosen the linens starting at the foot part, then to the sides and around. Remove pillows unless contraindicated.
- Place clean top sheet over dirty top sheet wider hem, wrong side out at the head part of bed. Spread, then remove the dirty linen without exposing the patient.
- Turn patient towards one side of the bed.
- Work on the unoccupied side of the bed. Roll dirty linens toward the patient (except rubber sheet).
- Place bottom sheet following the principles, tuck head part miter corner tuck. Roll used rubber sheet towards you. Replace with a new one.
- Place draw sheep over rubber sheet. Tuck together.
- Turn patient towards made bed.
- Work on the other side. Remove dirty linens.
- Spread clean linens, tuck head part of the bottom sheet, miter at side, tuck all together. Do the same with rubber sheet and draw sheet.
- Turn patient to the center of the bed.
- Arrange top sheet, fold head part up to the patient’s chest.
- Make a toe pleat.
- Tuck foot part, miter corner.
- Time limit, check features of a good bed and proper body mechanics.
Principles
- Provision for privacy as situation requires.
- Carefully turning the patient. So as to prevent over exertion and feeling or insecurity.
- Provision of opportunity for patient to Participate.
- Placement of top bedding so that shoulder may be covered and the necessary adjustments made over toes.
- Careful observation of skin areas of the patient.