Nursing Fundamentals: Bed Making and Patient Comfort

Bed Making

• Bed making is the technique of preparing different types of beds to make patients/clients comfortable in their suitable position for a particular condition.

Terminologies

• Fanfold: folding the edge of the sheet 6-8 inches outward, specifically done by grasping the upper edge of the linen with both hands.
• Mitered corner: a method of folding the bed clothes at the corners to secure them in place while the bed is occupied.
• Toe pleat: a fold made in the top bed clothes to provide additional space for the patient's toes.
• Foot drop: dropping of the foot from paralysis of the anterior muscle of the leg; plantar flexion of the foot with permanent contracture of the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle and tendon.
• Bed cradle: a device designed to keep the top bedclothes off the feet, legs, and even abdomen of a client.

Purpose of Bed Making

• On changing an unoccupied bed: to promote the client's comfort, provide a clean near environment, and provide a smooth, wrinkle-free bed foundation.
• On changing an occupied bed: to conserve the client's energy and maintain current healthy status.

Importance of Bed Making

• Helps maintain a clean, orderly, and comfortable room, contributing to the patient's sense of well-being.
• Helps the patient secure proper rest and comfort, essential for health and refreshment.
• Prevents or avoids microorganisms from coming into contact with the patient, which could cause tribulations.
• Minimizes sources of skin irritation by providing smooth, wrinkle-free bed foundation.

Types of Bed

• Occupied Bed: made when the patient is not able or not permitted to get out of the bed, ensuring smooth and tight sheets under the patient.
• Unoccupied Bed: made when there is no patient confined in bed.
• Open Bed: top covers are folded back, allowing easy transfer of the client from a stretcher to the bed.
• Closed Bed: top sheet, blankets, and bedspreads are drawn up to the head of the mattress and under the pillows.
• Cradle Bed: contains a device for holding the top covers off the patient.

Special Types of Bed

• Water Bed: special mattress filled with water, controlling temperature and reducing pressure on body parts, indicated for patients confined to bed for long periods.
• Turning Frames (Stryker Wedge): allows repeated changes between supine and prone positions without disturbing spinal alignment, indicated for complications of immobility.
• Circolectric Bed: permits frequent turning of injured or immobilized patients with minimal trauma or extraneous movement, helping prevent and treat pressure ulcers, respiratory and circulatory complications.
• Rotation Bed: promotes postural drainage, peristalsis, and helps prevent complications of mobility, indicated for patients with spinal cord injury or severe burns.
• Clinton Therapy Bed (Air-Fluidized Bed): indicated for patients with managing burns and various disabilities.
• Air Therapy Bed: provides different levels of support to different body parts, indicated for patients at risk of skin breakdown.

This quiz assesses knowledge on proper bed making procedures, safety and comfort measures, and related terminologies. It is designed for Level 1 nursing students at the CON Faculty.