3-4. MAKING THE AMBULATORY PATIENT'S BED
a. General. An ambulatory patient is one who is able to walk, and therefore, not
confined to bed. Except for the equipment used and minor differences concerning the
folding of the top covers and the cleaning required, the ambulatory patient's bed (also
referred to as an occupied open bed) and an unoccupied closed bed (made after
terminal cleaning of a bed unit) are generally made in like manner. Generally, in an
unoccupied closed bed the top covers are not folded back in order to maintain clean
inner surfaces. A check is made of the condition of the plastic mattress cover and
plastic pillow cover and they are replaced as necessary. In addition, before this bed is
made, the cleaning will have been done and all linen, blanket, and bedspread must be
clean. The following equipment and procedures relate to making an unoccupied open
bed routinely on a daily basis. Linen is changed as required, in consonance with local
nursing unit policy.
b. Equipment. The daily allowance of clean linen including towel and washcloth
is obtained as required. Other equipment consists of the following:
(1)
Washbasin containing detergent-germicide solution.
(2)
Cleaning cloth.
(3)
Clothes hamper.
(4)
Paper bag.
c. Preliminary Procedures.
(1) Assemble the materials at the bedside, placing the clean linen on the
chair in the order of use--pillow, pillowcase, spread, blanket, and sheets on top. Then
move the bedside cabinet and chair away from the bed and adjust the bed to a level
(horizontal) position. Turn the bed crank handle inward to prevent injury.
(2) Strip the bed and tighten the mattress cover from head to foot. Strip the
bed according to the following:
(a) Remove the soiled pillowcase and place it in the clothes hamper.
Place the pillows against the chair back.
(b) Loosen all linen while moving around the bed, raising the mattress
lightly and lifting the linen edges free. Do not tug the linen as this may cause the linen
to snag on the springs.
(c) If any item of linen is to be reused, fold the linen as it is removed
from the bed and place it on the clothes hamper.
MD0556
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