5.1 Introduction
A well-made bed is an essential contribution to the client’s feeling of well-being. Comfort and appearance of the bed are important, and the Health Care Assistant must be able to make a bed that is neat and free of wrinkles. Most beds found in health care facilities can be adjusted to suit the client’s needs and comfort.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this unit, the successful student will be able to:
- Make and straighten beds (unoccupied and occupied).
- Identify the basic bed positions.
- Describe how to handle linens according to the rules of medical asepsis.
- Describe general rules for bed making.
- Describe competent bed-making procedures.
Terms to Know
A method of folding the sheet in the manner of a fan or accordion so that the sheet is stacked upon itself.
Sheet with elasticized corners that allow for the sheet to fit snugly on the bed; it is generally used as a bottom sheet.
Sheet without elasticized corners; it is generally used as a top sheet.
The client’s head of bed is placed at an angle between 45 degrees and 60 degrees. Hips may or may not be flexed. It’s a common position to provide client comfort and care.
A tight-fitting triangular fold of a sheet on a bed so that it is anchored to the mattress.
Client lays flat on their back with head higher than feet by 15–30 degrees.
Slightly lower than Fowler’s position, the client is seated in bed at a 30–45-degree angle. The client’s head of bed is placed at a 30-degree angle. This position is used for clients who have cardiac or respiratory conditions and for patients with a nasogastric tube.
Special linens placed underneath clients to help lift them in bed. Also be called a bed pad.
Quilted, absorbent squares of fabric placed on client’s beds to keep linens dry from incontinence.
The client lies flat on their back, facing upward. Additional supportive devices may be added for comfort.
A position that places the head of the bed lower than the feet. Client lays flat on their back with feet elevated higher than their head by 15–30 degrees. Used in situations such as hypotension and medical emergencies, this position helps promote venous return to major organs such as the head and heart.
