Nursing Bed Making Techniques

Bed Making - Learning Objectives

• First year nursing students will gain knowledge on bed making
• Define bed making
• Explain different bed types
• Explain principles of bed making

Bed Making - Purpose

• Provide comfort and rest to patients
• Maintain a clean environment
• Reduce the spread of microorganisms
• Save time and resources
• Promote cleanliness
• Observe patients and prevent complications
• Facilitate patient mobility
• Minimize skin irritation
• Educate relatives on patient care

Bed Making - Types of Beds

• Closed bed
• Open bed
• Admission bed
• Occupied bed
• Operation bed
• Cardiac bed
• Fracture bed
• Amputation bed
• Blanket bed

Bed Making - Principles (Microorganisms)

• Microorganisms are present on patients, equipment, and the environment
• Nurses must prevent the transmission of microorganisms through direct or indirect contact
• Preventing the multiplication of microorganisms is important

Bed Making - Principles (Actions)

• Wash hands before and after bed making
• Change bed linens frequently
• Carefully handle linens to avoid dropping them on the floor
• Gently shake linens to remove dust
• Handle linens away from the nurse to maintain hygiene

Bed Making - Principles (Additional Actions)

• Dusting and cleaning beds and the unit daily
• Damp or wet dusting is better than dry dusting
• Maintain a reasonable distance from the patient to prevent the spread of droplets
• Prioritize cleaning the bed before cleaning surrounding areas.
• Disinfect linens from isolation units before sending them to the laundry
• Nurses with respiratory infections should not attend to patients

Bed Making - Principles (Safe and Comfortable Bed)

• Uneven pressure on the mattress can lead to pressure sores and lumps
• Keep sheets and linen wrinkle-free
• Ensure that linen is tucked properly underneath the mattress ensuring a stable position
• Avoid altering mattress shape while tightening linens

Bed Making - Principles (Body Mechanics)

• Maintain good alignment to avoid fatigue
• Keep your centre of gravity over your base of support for stability
• Tuck linens using knees and hip movements to reduce strain on the back
• Keep the direction of movement consistent when placing linen

Bed Making - Principles (Systematic)

• Arrange all materials before starting bed making
• Arrange linens in reverse order of use
• Complete one side of the bed before moving to the other side
• Individually remove linens to ensure proper cleaning.
• Fold linens correctly for easy replacement

Bed Making - General Instructions

• Wash hands before and after bed making
• Do not expose patients unnecessarily
• Protect patients from drafts
• Avoid mixing clean with soiled linen
• Handle linen gently
• Maintain good body mechanics
• Ensure linen doesn't touch your body or uniform
• Ensure the bed is firm, smooth, and wrinkle-free

Bed Making - Summary

• Bed making
• Types of beds
• Principles of bed making were discussed

References (Citations)

• Perry & Potter. Clinical nursing skills techniques 6th edition
• Sr. Nancy. Stephanie's principles and practice of nursing, Nursing arts procedures, 6th edition, volume-1
• Marilynn E Doenges, Mary Frances Moorhouse, Alice C Murr. Nursing care plans. 6th edition

Test your knowledge on the principles and practices of bed making in a nursing context. This quiz covers best practices for maintaining patient comfort, safety, and hygiene during bed making. Understand the importance of organization and body mechanics in this essential nursing task.