Bed Making in Nursing: Types, Principles & Purpose
Bed Making in Nursing: Types, Principles & Purpose
In order to reduce the risk of infection, bed making is a standard practise in healthcare facilities. It's a step in the hospitalisation process in which a fresh bed is prepared for the patient. In hospitals, bed making is a scientifically-based practise for limiting the spread of infection.
It's a common task in private homes but also happens in institutional settings like hotels, universities, and hospitals. Making beds is a routine task for nurses.
What is Bed Making?
To make a bed ready for a patient, the sheets as well as other bedding must be laid out in an orderly fashion.
Creating a bed that meets the needs of a hospitalized patient and improves their quality of life.
Types of Bed making
Closed bed
Closed beds are those that have had all but the top sheet removed. While waiting for patients to be admitted, this is done to ensure that the sheets beneath the top layer are completely protected from dust and debris. When a patient is brought in, the covered bed is flipped over for usage.
Open bed
The hospital bed is considered "open" if it is not currently occupied by a patient. It might be designed for a brand new patient or an existing ambulatory one.
Bed already taken
While the customer waits, the bed will be made. Customer who needs help getting out of bed will appreciate this. As with an open bed set, the client will receive the same amount of attention before, during, and after the procedure.
Bed for admission
The bed that serves as the entryway is an open bed. The patient will ultimately make their way towards the bed after having taken a shower &, if necessary, changing into a hospital gown.
Cardiac bed
The cardiac bed is designed to let a patient sit in an ergonomic position that minimizes strain on his body. The primary goal of cardiac bed would be to reduce dyspnea, a frequent symptom of heart disease.
Fracture bed
It is used to provide substantial support for a client who has suffered a fracture to the trunk or limbs by placing the client on a hard mattress atop a fracture board and bed board. The goal here is to make sure the client is as relaxed as possible during their healing process.
Blanket bed
The blanket bed was specially requested by a renal disease patient so that they may improve their sweat gland function and thus their ability to expel waste.
Amputation bed
After a leg has been amputated, the patient is placed on an amputation bed so that the pressure of the sheets does not press against the stump.
Principles of Bed Making
Guiding principles
Microorganisms can be found on skin, with in air, and even on the patient's personal belongings.
The nurse uses preventative measures to prevent the introduction of pathogens to a host organism or the spread of existing ones.
Having a safe and comfortable bed can prevent patients from experiencing issues like foot drops, bedsores, and other discomforts while also encouraging restful sleep.
Proper body mechanics prevent misalignment and fatigue by keeping the body in its natural, efficient position.
Time, effort, and materials are all conserved when procedures are carried out methodically.
Basic principles in bed making
Acquiring the necessary components before getting started is a must.
Remember to wash your hands before, during, and after making the bed.
While loosening the sheets, lift the mattress to get them off the bed. If you need to tug the sheets, do so gently.
Fold your bed sheets in half lengthwise and then in thirds from the top.
Turn the mattress three times, or from top to bottom, every time the bed is empty.
The sheets should always be laid out in the correct order, with the folded side facing the other way from you & touching the floor, before the bed is made.
Keep any soiled clothes and uniforms away from the bed.
Helpless patients should be made beds with side rails to keep them from falling if further support is not available.
The patient's face should never be covered, not even by a sheet or blanket.
Microorganisms, excrement, and fluids might be dispersed through the air if the soiled linens were shaken.
Soiled linens should be placed in dirty linen box rather than abandoned on the floor.
During bed changes, nurses are not allowed to talk about anything other than the patient.
Purpose of Bed Making
The art of making a bed is a nursing specialty. Patients' and clients' needs should be prioritized when making beds. Bed making's primary goals are to reduce the risk of problems by making the patient feel at ease and safe.
To ensure a good night's sleep
Aiming to make the patient feel safe and at ease both physically and emotionally.
For the sake of aesthetics, so that the unit looks nice
A strong rapport between the nurse and patient is essential for optimal care.
Aiming to get the patient moving, both actively and passively
The goal is to encourage a healthy and clean environment.
As a means towards improving the nurse's ability to make beds, proper posture and body alignment is emphasised.
In order to keep an eye on patients, detect any problems, and head them off at the pass.
To adjust to the requirements of the sick person
Making the bed requires less effort from the patient.
To rid the patient's system of everything that could cause skin irritation.
To get rid of used, soiled, or unclean linens in an appropriate manner.
Making beds efficiently helps save resources like time and money.
Things to keep in mind for bed making
Hands should be washed thoroughly both before & after the treatment.
Don't put the client in danger if it's not absolutely necessary.
Don't store clean sheets next to dirty ones.
Remember to use the bath blanket in between the woolen blanket and the client's body.
Never let the client sleep on the Mac without a mattress pad.
Lightly agitate the bed linens.
Keep your distance so the linen doesn't touch your skin or uniform.
To avoid unnecessary strain, it's important to practice proper body mechanics at all times.
Make sure the sheets are fresh, smooth, and wrinkle-free.
Keep a safe distance from the patient to avoid spreading the virus.
