BEDMAKING

BEDMAKING VOCABULARY
1. OOB
2. Fan folding
3. Draw Sheet/Pull sheet/Incontinence Pad
4. Chux
5. Occupied bed
6. Unoccupied bed
7. Johnny
8. Spread
9. Blanket
10. Flat/fitted sheets
11. Mitered corner
12. HOB
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?
WRINKLES : can aggravate pt. w/ thin
skin causing poor circulation and
eventual skin breakdown

SHEETS: loose sheets can cause extra

“weight” on a pt. causing potential skin
breakdown
 COMFORT MEASURES FOR PROMOTING
SLEEP
 Administer hygiene measures for
residents/patients on bedrest

 Loose fitting nightwear/”johnny”

 Remove or change any irritants against

the resident’s skin (wet brief)

 Position and support dependent body

parts to protect pressure points and aid
muscle relaxation
 CLIENT’S ENVIRONMENT
 Chairs
 Geri chair
 Lighting over bed
 Night light
 Call light
 Overbed table
 Bedside table
SPECIAL MATTRESSES
Types
 Regular firm, plastic covered
 Mattresses used to prevent &
treat pressure ulcers
Alternating pressure

Eggcrate

Sheepskin
 EGGCRATE

ALTERNATING
PRESSURE
MATTRESS
 NURSING CARE
 Turn patients Q2h
 Skin care

 Positioning

 No wrinkles!

Wrinkles are uncomfortable!

Wrinkles can cause skin
breakdown!
Wrinkles can interfere with
proper circulation!
 CONSIDERATIONS
 Bed position
 Safety
 Body mechanics
 Gatchs
 Infection control
 Skin breakdown
 THE BED CHANGING PROCESS
Every health care facility wants their
patients’ rooms to reflect cleanliness,
safety, and efficiency
 ASSEMBLING EQUIPMENT
2 sheets
 Fitted for bottom
 Flat for top
Pillowcases
Bed pad as needed
Bedspread
Blanket
 LINEN

Draw sheet

Chux

Fitted sheet
 LINEN
• Linen is based on what you need and
patient’s condition…assess,assess, assess
• Cost control:
Once linen brought into a client’s
room, if unused, must be discarded for
laundering.
Excess linen causes clutter and
obstacles in a cramped space
 LINEN

Under no circumstances do
you place dirty linen on floor,
footstool, another patient’s
bed or on the bed side tables.
 WHEN DOES THE BED GET
CHANGED?
• Usually after client’s bath
• Client is sitting in chair
• Out of room for tests

 Check throughout day and straighten

linen prn
 After meals, if eating in bed, check for
food particles
 Change linen that is soiled or wet
 EFFECTIVE BODY MECHANICS
AND BED MAKING

1. Use the large muscles of the body

2. Work smoothly and rhythmically
3. Push or pull rather than lift
4. Use your own weight to counteract the weight of an
 TYPES OF BED
Occupied
Unoccupied
Fan-folding
Surgical/post-op beds
 OCCUPIED BED
 Making bed with patient IN the bed
 Gloves if drainage or at all soiled

 Check chart/kardex for activity level of

patient
 Talk to the client, explain procedure

 Privacy

 Assemble all equipment, incontinent pads

prn
 Safety with side rails/call bell

 Wash hands before and after

UNOCCUPIED BED
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE ?
 WHAT ARE “HOSPITAL CORNERS”
OR “MITERED CORNERS?”
A type of corner used in making hospital beds that
keep the bed sheets in place and wrinkle free
 INFECTION CONTROL AND
BED MAKING
1. Microorganisms are present on
the skin and in the general
environment.
2. Some microorganisms are
opportunists; that is, they can
cause infections when
conditions are favorable (
break in skin, mucous
membranes)
 INFECTION CONTROL AND
BEDMAKING
3. Residents are often less
resistant to infections because of
the stress resulting from an
existing disease process.
 INFECTION CONTROL AND
BED MAKING
4. Microorganisms may be transferred
from one person to another or from one
place to another by air, by inanimate
objects or by direct contact among
people. Therefore:

 Avoid holding soiled linen against

uniform
 Never shake linen

 Always wash hands before going to

another patient.
 SAFETY CHECKS
When finished evaluate:
 bed position
 Call light
 Side rails
 Unit tidy
 Personal belongings are within
reach
 ATTACHMENTS TO BED
Bed cradle/foot cradle
Foot board
Therapeutic Frames allow movement for
immobilized patients & help prevent
complications R/T immobility
 REMEMBER…
 To make bed, position is elevated
 When completed, bed is lowered
 If occupied, patient comfort & safety
 Soiled linen away from uniform
 Gloves prn
 Bath before making bed if occupied