Bed Making and Unit Preparation in Nursing

Bed Making in Nursing

• The primary objective of bed making is to promote client comfort, hygiene, and wellbeing.

Patient Safety

• A key consideration during bed making is to ensure patient safety.

Handling Linens

• Handling linens during bed making should avoid contaminating clean linens with dirty ones.

Time Management

• The principle of economy of motion is recommended to manage time, materials, and energy effectively during bed making.

Nurse-Patient Relationship

• Establishing an effective nurse-patient relationship during bed making promotes trust and cooperation.

Types of Beds

• A surgical bed is also known as an open bed.
• A cardiac bed is designed for patients who require cardiac monitoring.

Bed Making Terms

• Metered corner: a fold that measures the same on both sides of the bed.
• Toe pleat: a fold at the foot of the bed to allow for easy movement.

Bed Making Equipment

• Bed making requires a bed, mattress, and linens (sheets, blankets, and a bedspread).

Occupied and Unoccupied Beds

• An occupied bed has a patient in it, with all linens and equipment in place.
• An unoccupied bed is made with all linens and equipment in place, but no patient.

Bed Making Techniques

• A fanfold is a technique used to fold the top sheet and blankets at the foot of the bed.
• A mackintosh is used to protect the mattress from spills and stains.