Patient Positioning and Bedmaking Techniques

Questions and Answers

Which position involves the patient lying face down with the head turned to the side?

Lateral Position

Prone Position (correct)

Dorsal Recumbent

Supine Position

What is the primary purpose of using pillows and positioning aids when placing a patient in the lateral position?

To provide comfort during procedures

To elevate the head for better breathing

To prevent pressure on bony prominences (correct)

To assist with patient transfer

When repositioning a patient up in bed, what is one critical factor to assess before proceeding?

The need for assistance or help (correct)

The position of the bed in the room

The patient's clothing

The type of bed sheets used

In which type of patient positioning are the legs flexed while the patient lies on their back?

Dorsal Recumbent Signup and view all the answers

What technique should be employed when moving a patient up in bed to minimize friction?

Using a pull sheet or pad Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the orthopneic position?

To enhance chest expansion Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the Trendelenburg position?

Foot of bed is elevated while the head is lowered Signup and view all the answers

Which body mechanic principle helps prevent back injuries during lifting?

Maintain a wide base of support with a firm stance Signup and view all the answers

Why is nursing judgment essential when positioning a patient?

It helps assess and prioritize the patient's comfort and alignment Signup and view all the answers

In body mechanics, which technique should be avoided to prevent injury?

Twisting the torso during a lift Signup and view all the answers

Which step is NOT involved in making an occupied bed?

Remove the mattress and replace it with a new one Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of mitering the corners of bed linens?

To prevent wrinkles and hold linen securely Signup and view all the answers

In which bed position is the head of the bed elevated to a 30° angle?

Semi-Fowler position Signup and view all the answers

During the process of making an unoccupied bed, where should clean linens be placed?

In a designated clean linen area away from soiled linens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of positioning a patient in the Fowler position?

Enhanced respiratory function Signup and view all the answers

When making an occupied bed, what should be done before changing the bottom linen?

Cover the patient with a bath blanket Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following techniques can help safely turn a patient to the side while making an occupied bed?

Log roll the patient gently to maintain alignment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should be avoided when handling soiled linen during bedmaking?

Placing soiled linen on the overbed table Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for keeping linens clean, dry, and wrinkle-free during bedmaking?

To support patient comfort and prevent skin breakdown Signup and view all the answers

In the context of hospital bed features, which function is primarily concerned with patient safety?

Bed exit alarm Signup and view all the answers

When preparing to make an occupied bed, what is a critical consideration regarding patient privacy?

Patient should always be informed about linen changes Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the method for making an unoccupied bed?

Sheets should be pulled up to the headboard once made Signup and view all the answers

Which bed position is the best for a patient who has difficulty swallowing during meals?

High fowlers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Patient Positioning Techniques

Supine Position: Patient lies on their back.
Prone Position: Patient lies face down with head turned to side.
Lateral Position: Patient lies on their side; top arm and leg are flexed. Use a pillow to protect bony prominences.
Dorsal Recumbent: Patient lies on their back with legs flexed.
Sims Position: Patient is positioned ¾ over on their side.

Positioning Aids

Used for procedures like enemas and colonoscopies.
Includes pillows, trochanter rolls, positioning boots.
Prevents pressure on greater trochanter.

Repositioning a Patient in Bed

Assess whether assistance is needed.
Determine if assistive devices, like pull or turn sheets, are necessary.
Check for tubes or drains (IVs, urinary catheters).
Instruct patient to flex hips and knees, using feet for push-off.
Utilize a rocking motion with legs and arms to shift the patient smoothly.
Implement pull sheets or pads to minimize friction during movement.

Making an Occupied Bed

Remove top bedding, covering the patient with a bath blanket.
Perform linen change using a log roll method.
Fan fold dirty linen toward the center; place new linens accordingly.
Assist the patient in rolling onto the clean side of the bed.
Complete the linen change and reposition the patient centrally.

Making an Unoccupied Bed

Gather clean linens, disinfect if necessary.
Ensure bed height is comfortable for work.
Apply bottom and top sheets, waterproof pads, and securely miter corners.
Make one side of the bed completely before proceeding to the other side.

Bed Positions

Flat: Bed frame parallel to the floor.
Semi-Fowler: Head of bed raised to a 30° angle.
Fowler: Head of bed elevated to 45-60° (semi-sitting); High-Fowler: 60-90°.
Orthopneic Position: Head of bed at 90°, allowing patient to lean forward for chest expansion.
Trendelenburg Position: Lower head of bed, raise foot; promotes venous circulation in emergencies only.

Principles of Body Mechanics

Techniques aim to prevent musculoskeletal injuries, especially targeting the back.
Encourage patient involvement when possible.
Maintain a wide base of support with feet flat and one foot in front of the other.
Keep knees slightly bent; align spine by tightening abdominal muscles and tucking buttocks.
Keep head erect and adopt a firm stance.
Weight should be kept close to the body during lifting.
Utilize legs and arms for lifting, avoiding twisting of the back.

Unit Outcomes

Ability to make both unoccupied and occupied beds.
Demonstration of safe patient transfer and therapeutic positioning techniques.
Focus on bed-to-chair and bed-to-cart methods.
Understanding of proper body mechanics to prevent nurse injuries.

Hospital Bed Features

Side rails for patient safety.
Wheels with locking mechanisms for mobility.
Adjustable elevations for head, foot, and entire bed.
Bed exit alarms to alert staff when patients get out of bed.
Weight capacity indicators and CPR functionality included.

Nurse Call System

Patient-controlled system for alerting nurses.
Includes features such as TV control for patient comfort.

Bedmaking General Principles

Ensure linens are clean, dry, and wrinkle-free for patient comfort.
Follow medical asepsis to prevent infections.
Clean linens should not contact soiled items or other patients’ bedding.
Wear gloves when handling soiled linen, if uncertain.

Bedmaking Supplies

Essential items: linen bag, bottom sheet (flat or fitted), top sheet, bedspread.
Optional items: waterproof pads, pillowcases, blankets, draw sheets.

Types of Bed Making

Unoccupied Bed: Made when no patient is present; can be open or closed.
Occupied Bed: Requires changing linens while patient remains in bed; demands attention to privacy and safety.

Procedure for Making an Occupied Bed

Cover patient with a bath blanket before removing bedding.
Log roll the patient to change bottom linens, using a fan fold technique for dirty sheets.
Ensure patient is repositioned to the center after changing linens.

Bed Positions

Flat: Entire frame horizontally aligned with the floor.
Semi-Fowler: Head raised 30 degrees.
Fowler: Head elevated to 45-60 degrees; high-Fowler varies from 60-90 degrees.
Orthopneic: Head of bed at 90 degrees, assisting in breathing.
Trendelenburg: Head lowered, foot raised, mainly for emergencies.