Bed technique, in the context of healthcare, refers to the procedures involved in making a bed, especially when a patient is in it, to maintain hygiene, comfort, and prevent complications like pressure ulcers. It typically involves changing linens while minimizing patient disturbance.
Key Aspects of Bed Technique
The primary goal is to provide a clean, dry, and comfortable bed for the patient while adhering to infection control principles and ensuring patient safety. This involves several key steps and considerations:
- Patient Safety and Comfort: Minimizing movement and strain on the patient during the process is crucial.
- Infection Control: Proper hand hygiene and the use of clean linens are paramount to prevent the spread of infection.
- Efficient Linen Handling: Managing soiled linens to prevent contamination and using clean linens efficiently.
- Pressure Ulcer Prevention: Ensuring the bed is free from wrinkles and that appropriate support surfaces are used to minimize pressure on bony prominences.
Procedure for Making an Occupied Bed (Example)
The provided reference excerpt outlines a portion of the process for making an occupied bed. Here's a more complete breakdown:
- Preparation: Gather clean linens (bottom sheet, top sheet, blanket, pillowcase, draw sheet/pad if needed), perform hand hygiene, and explain the procedure to the patient. Ensure privacy.
- Loosening Soiled Linens: Gently loosen the top linens from the bottom of the bed and remove any equipment attached to the bed.
- Positioning the Patient: Assist the patient to turn onto their side, away from the side of the bed being worked on. Ensure the patient is comfortable and supported.
- Removing and Replacing Bottom Linens:
- Roll the soiled bottom linens towards the patient.
- Place the clean bottom sheet on the mattress, seam side down, covering the entire mattress. Miter the corners of any non-fitted sheets.
- Place waterproof pads and/or a draw sheet on the bed.
- Tuck in the remaining half of the clean sheets as close to the patient as possible.
- Assisting Patient to the Other Side: Help the patient roll over the "hump" of linens to the clean side of the bed. Ensure their comfort and safety.
- Completing Linen Change: Remove the remaining soiled linens. Pull the clean bottom sheet, pad, and draw sheet (if used) across the bed and tuck them in smoothly. Miter the corner.
- Changing Top Linens: Place the clean top sheet over the patient, followed by a blanket. Tuck in the linens at the foot of the bed.
- Pillowcase Change: Change the pillowcase and position the pillow comfortably for the patient.
- Final Adjustments: Ensure the bed is wrinkle-free and comfortable. Return the bed to the lowest position, and ensure call light and personal items are within reach. Dispose of soiled linens properly and perform hand hygiene.
Importance of Proper Bed Technique
Proper bed technique is essential for:
- Promoting Patient Comfort: A clean and comfortable bed enhances patient well-being.
- Preventing Infections: Maintaining hygiene reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
- Preventing Pressure Ulcers: Ensuring a smooth, wrinkle-free surface minimizes pressure points.
- Efficient Nursing Care: Proper technique saves time and resources.
In summary, bed technique involves specific procedures for making a bed, particularly when a patient is in it, focusing on hygiene, comfort, and safety to promote patient well-being and prevent complications.
