Bedmaking
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Safety
- Follow infection control guidelines, because bed making increases the risk of exposure to—and transmission of—microorganisms. Be sure to wear clean gloves to remove soiled linen. Hold soiled linen away from your uniform, and avoid shaking or fanning it.
- Use proper body mechanics when making a bed.
- Assess the environment for safety; check the room for spills, make sure equipment is working properly, and ensure that the bed is in the locked, low position.
- Remember to lower the side rails when preparing to make the bed.
- Check the position of the chair for transfer.
Equipment
(Roll cursor over items to see labels)
Bottom Sheet (flat or fitted)
Large, quilted waterproof pad (optional)
Top sheet
Bath blanket
Bedspread
Pillowcases
Clean gloves
Antiseptic cleanser or wipes
Towels or washcloth
Linen bag
PrintableDelegation
The skill of making an unoccupied bed can be delegated to nursing assistive personnel (NAP). Before delegating, be sure to inform the NAP of the following:
- Any position or activity restrictions that affect the patient’s ability to get out of bed.
- Any special linen instructions if the patient is on an airflow mattress.
- Specify that Standard Precautions are to be used when making an unoccupied bed.
Preparation
- Gather all needed equipment and supplies
- Wear gloves when removing soiled linen.
- Assess activity orders or restrictions on mobility or positioning, to ensure that the patient can get out of bed for the procedure.
- Help the patient into a bedside chair, or plan to make the bed when the patient is out of the room.
Follow-up
- Help the patient back to bed.
- Ensure that the call light is within the patient’s reach on the bed rail or pillow.
- Ask if the patient is comfortable.
- Periodically check the linen for cleanliness and tightness.
Documentation
Do not document the making of an unoccupied bed.
Review Questions
1. The nurse who is preparing to make an unoccupied bed should do what to ensure his or her personal safety?
Put on sterile gloves. - Place the call light within the nurse’s reach.
Place the bed at a comfortable working height. - Place a laundry bag on the bedside chair.
2. The nurse is preparing to change the soiled linen of a patient’s unoccupied bed. Which precaution minimizes the risk of transmitting microorganisms?
- Perform hand hygiene and apply clean gloves.
- Place fresh linen on a clean bedside table or chair.
- Put soiled linen in a pillow case before placing in a hamper.
- Roll soiled linen together with the dirty sides toward the center.
3. What would the nurse instruct the nursing assistive personnel (NAP) to do before making an unoccupied bed if the mattress is soiled?
- Wash the mattress with hot water.
- Wipe off moisture with antiseptic solution, and dry thoroughly.
- Flip the mattress.
- Apply a waterproof pad over the soiled area.
4. The nurse is reviewing placement of an unfitted bottom sheet with nursing assistive personnel (NAP) assigned to make an unoccupied bed. What should the nurse include in this teaching?
- The lower hem of the sheet should lie seam down and even with the bottom edge of the mattress.
- Keep enough material to miter the lower mattress corners.
- Apply the draw sheet on the cleaned mattress first.
- Make the top of the bed first, moving to the bottom of the bed.
5. When making an unoccupied bed, where would the nurse place a waterproof pad?
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