Bed Making

Bed making is the procedure of preventing infection mainly in the hospital setting by preparing and arranging different types of beds. It is a procedure of making a clean bed for the client in the hospital. Bed-making is the scientific-based procedure of preventing infection in hospitals by making systematic beds for patients. It is a household chore but is also performed in establishments including hospitals, hotels, and military or educational residences. Bed making is nursing’s common procedure.

 

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Bed Making Definition

Bed making is the procedure of arranging the bedsheets and other bedding on a bed, to prepare it for patient use in a hospital.

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Bed making is the technique of preparing different types of bed to promote comfort to the patients/client or provide a suitable position for a particular condition.

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Bed making is the art of arranging the bedsheets and other bedding on a bed, to prepare it for therapeutic use.

 

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Purpose of Bed Making

• To prevent infection.
• To provide the patient with a safe and comfortable bed to rest and sleep.
• To give the unit or ward a neat & clean appearance.
• To adopt the needs of the patient and to be ready for my emergency or critical condition of illness.
• To economize time, material, and effort.
• To prevent bedsores.
• To observe the patient e.g., the presence of bedsores, oral hygiene, patient’s ability for self-care, etc. can be observed during bed making.
• To promote cleanliness.
• To establish an effective nurse-patient relationship.
• To provide active and passive exercises to the patients.
• To help the relatives learn to care for the sick at home.

 

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Principal of Bed Making

Basic principles of bed making

The principles of bed making are essential guidelines to ensure the comfort, safety, and hygiene of the patient while maintaining efficiency for the caregiver. These principles include:

1. Comfort: Ensure the bed is free of wrinkles and properly aligned to provide comfort and prevent pressure sores or irritation.

2. Safety: Keep the bed at a comfortable working height for caregivers, lower the bed and side rails after making it to prevent falls, and ensure proper positioning for the patient’s condition.

3. Cleanliness: Always use clean and dry linen to maintain hygiene and prevent infections. Avoid shaking linen to prevent the spread of dust and microorganisms.

4. Aesthetic Appearance: The bed should look neat and tidy, promoting a pleasant and welcoming environment for the patient.

5. Patient’s Condition: Arrange the bed according to the patient’s medical needs, such as providing a specific position for comfort, recovery, or treatment.

6. Economy of Time and Effort: Organize materials before starting and follow systematic procedures to save time and energy.

7. Respect for Patient’s Privacy: If the bed is being made with the patient in it, ensure the patient’s dignity and privacy by using a screen or covering them appropriately.

8. Proper Ventilation: Ensure the bedding allows for good ventilation to prevent excessive sweating or discomfort.

 

Scientific Principles of Bed Making

The scientific principles of bed making focus on applying evidence-based practices to ensure patient comfort, hygiene, safety, and efficiency. These principles help guide nurses in delivering high-quality care. They include:

1. Principles of Comfort and Relief

• Wrinkle-free sheets prevent discomfort and pressure sores.
• Proper alignment of bedding supports a comfortable sleeping or resting posture.
• Adjust the bed position to meet specific patient needs, such as the Fowler’s position for respiratory relief.

2. Principles of Hygiene and Infection Control

• Use clean, dry, and properly disinfected linen to prevent infection.
• Avoid shaking bed linen to reduce the spread of microorganisms and dust.
• Practice hand hygiene before and after handling bed linen.

3. Principles of Safety

• Keep the bed height adjustable: high while making the bed and low after finishing to prevent patient falls.
• Ensure side rails are up for occupied beds when required.
• Remove any sharp or loose objects from the bed to prevent injury.

4. Principles of Efficiency and Economy

• Organize all materials (e.g., linen, pillows) before starting bed-making to save time and energy.
• Use systematic movements to minimize unnecessary effort.

5. Principles of Ventilation and Temperature Regulation

• Ensure proper bedding to keep the patient warm while allowing adequate air circulation to avoid overheating.

6. Principles of Privacy and Dignity

• Always protect the patient’s privacy using screens or drapes while making an occupied bed.
• Minimize patient exposure by covering them with a top sheet or blanket during the process.

7. Principles of Adaptability

• Modify the bed arrangement based on the patient’s condition, such as adjusting for orthopedic needs or postoperative care.
• Use specialized bedding or positioning aids if required.

By understanding and applying these scientific principles, nursing students can ensure that bed making is effective, patient-centered, and conducive to recovery.

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Types of beds in hospital

There are mainly two types of beds in the hospital, first Medical Bed and the second is Surgical Bed

 

Medical Bed

A medical bed is a bed designed specifically for patient care in medical settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, or home healthcare. These beds have adjustable features to enhance patient comfort, facilitate medical procedures, and aid caregivers. Common features include height adjustability, adjustable head and foot sections, side rails for safety, and wheels for mobility.

• Simple bed –  open bed and closed bed 
• Cardiac bed
• Therapeutic bed – e.g.- Rheumatism bed, Renal bed, Blanket bed  

Surgical Bed

A surgical bed, also known as a postoperative bed or recovery bed, is a bed prepared specifically for a patient returning from surgery. It is arranged to accommodate the patient’s condition post-surgery, ensuring easy transfer from a stretcher and minimizing discomfort. The bed is typically set in a flat or semi-Fowler’s position with one side of the linens folded to facilitate the transfer. The focus is on providing support, preventing strain, and ensuring quick access for medical staff to tend to the patient’s needs.

• Operation bed
• Fracture bed
• Amputation bed, or divided bed

 

 

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There are different types of bed-making so we learn one by one Bed making types

Open Bed-Making Procedure with Rational | Occupied Bed-Making Procedure with Rational

An open bed is a type of bed preparation in nursing where the top linens are folded down, making the bed ready for immediate use by a patient. This arrangement allows easy access for the patient to lie down comfortably and is commonly used for ambulatory patients or those who will return to bed shortly.

 

Step	Procedure	Rationale
1	Gather Supplies: Collect clean linens, including a bottom sheet, draw sheet, top sheet, pillowcase, and any additional protective coverings (e.g., waterproof sheet).	Ensures that all necessary materials are readily available, promoting efficiency and minimizing the risk of contamination.
2	Perform Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling linens.	Reduces the risk of infection and maintains a sterile environment for the patient.
3	Remove Used Linens: Carefully remove soiled linens from the bed, rolling them inward to contain any contaminants.	It Prevents the spread of pathogens and maintains a clean environment.
4	Inspect the Mattress: Check the mattress for any stains, damage, or signs of wear.	Ensures patient safety and comfort; damaged mattresses may need to be replaced or covered.
5	Cover the Mattress: Place a clean mattress cover over the mattress.	Protects the mattress from moisture and stains, maintaining hygiene and prolonging its lifespan.
6	Place the Bottom Sheet: Lay the bottom sheet on the mattress, ensuring the center fold is in the middle and the sheet is smooth.	Provides a comfortable surface for the patient and ensures proper alignment.
7	Make Mitered Corners: Tuck the bottom sheet securely at the corners of the mattress.	Prevents the sheet from coming loose and provides a neat appearance.
8	Add a Waterproof Sheet: Place a waterproof sheet 12-15 inches from the head of the mattress.	Protects the bottom sheet from moisture and helps prevent skin breakdown in patients at risk for bedsores.
9	Place the Draw Sheet: Lay a draw sheet across the middle of the bed, tucking it securely.	Facilitates patient handling and transfers, reducing the risk of injury to both the patient and the nurse.
10	Add the Top Sheet: Spread the top sheet evenly over the bed, aligning it with the head of the mattress.	Ensures the patient is adequately covered for warmth and comfort.
11	Tuck the Top Sheet: Tuck the top sheet at the foot of the bed, making mitered corners, and allow the sides to hang free.	Provides a finished look and allows for easy access for the patient.
12	Prepare the Pillow: Place a clean pillowcase on the pillow and fluff it before placing it at the head of the bed.	Ensures patient comfort and promotes a restful environment.
13	Fan Fold the Top Sheet: Grasp one corner of the top sheet and fanfold it at the foot part or diagonally to one side.	Facilitates easy access for the patient to get into bed, enhancing comfort and convenience.
14	Final Check: Ensure the bed is neat, clean, and free of wrinkles. Adjust the height of the bed as necessary.	Promotes patient comfort and safety, ensuring a pleasant environment for recovery.
15	Perform Hand Hygiene Again: Wash hands after completing the bed-making process.	Maintains infection control and hygiene standards.

Here are the full details of the Open Bed Making Procedure | Occupied Bed Making procedure to read click the link my dear student 🙂

How to make Miter Corners in bed making

Creating mitered corners, also known as hospital corners, is an effective way to achieve a neat and tidy appearance when making a bed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master this technique:

1. Prepare the Bed:

   • Start with a fitted sheet securely placed over the mattress, ensuring it’s smooth and wrinkle-free.

2. Position the Flat Sheet:

   • Lay the flat sheet evenly over the mattress, aligning the top edge with the head of the bed.
   • Allow the sides and foot of the sheet to hang evenly over the edges.

3. Tuck the Foot of the Sheet:

   • At the foot of the bed, lift the mattress slightly and tuck the bottom edge of the flat sheet underneath, pulling it tight to eliminate wrinkles.

4. Create the Mitered Corner:

   • Choose a corner at the foot of the bed to start.
   • Grasp the excess sheet draping over the side about 12 inches from the foot of the bed.
   • Lift this portion up, laying it on top of the mattress to form a 45-degree angle, creating a triangular fold.

5. Tuck the Side Edge:

   • While holding the triangular fold in place, tuck the hanging fabric below the triangle tightly under the mattress.

6. Secure the Triangular Flap:

   • Bring the triangular fold down over the side of the mattress.
   • Tuck this final portion securely under the mattress, ensuring a smooth and tight corner.

7. Repeat the Process:

   • Perform the same steps on the remaining corner at the foot of the bed.

8. Final Touches:

   • Smooth out any remaining wrinkles on the surface of the bed for a crisp, clean look.

 

Close Bed-Making Procedure with Rational | Unoccupied Bed-Making Procedure with Rational

A closed bed is a type of bed preparation in nursing where the bed is fully made with all linens tucked neatly, and the top sheet and blanket are pulled up to cover the pillow completely. It is prepared to keep the bed clean and ready for a new patient or for a patient who is not expected to use the bed immediately.

 

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Conclusion of Bed-Making Procedure in Nursing

Bed making is a fundamental nursing skill that plays a critical role in promoting patient comfort, safety, and hygiene. The procedure, when done systematically and efficiently, ensures a clean and therapeutic environment for the patient while also preventing complications such as pressure ulcers and infections. By adhering to the principles and steps of bed making, nurses not only maintain patient dignity and comfort but also uphold high standards of care. Proper use of clean linen, infection control practices, and attention to the patient’s specific needs contribute to both physical well-being and emotional reassurance. In conclusion, bedmaking is more than a routine task; it is a reflection of the holistic and compassionate approach of nursing care, ensuring that the patient’s environment supports their recovery and overall health

 

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Also, Read this – Bed Making Procedure in Hindi