Bedmaking

Question 1

What is an alternating mattress used for?

Answer 1

used to reduce pressure on patient’s skin

Question 2

What is a bed cradle?

Answer 2

a metal frame that is attached to the mattress to hold the weight on the top covers off the feet and legs

Question 3

What is a footboard?

Answer 3

covered board is placed at foot of bed and situated so feet rest against it and are at right angles to the legs

Question 4

What is the purpose of a footboard?

Answer 4

• prevent pressure on top of bed covers on the feet
• maintain proper position and alignment of feet
• allow the person to excercise his/her feet against the board to help prevent foot drop

Question 5

How do you make a bed with a cradle?

Answer 5

fold back top covers and apply bed cradle to the mattress

place top covers over the cradle and mitre the corners

Question 6

Can a footboard and bed cradle be used together?

Answer 6

yes

Question 7

How does an alternating mattress work?

Answer 7

it alternately deflates and inflates, creating a cycling effect to minimize pressure on bony prominences

Question 8

What is a trapeze bar?

Answer 8

it is a triangularly shaped bar that is securely attached to an overhead bar that is attached to the bed frame. The bar allows the patient to pull up upper body and arms to assist with transfers and/or change positions in bed.

Question 9

What is siderail protection?

Answer 9

they are covers or pads applied to the bedrails of individuals who regularly roll over and onto the rails

Question 10

What are the purpose of pillows?

Answer 10

they provide support to body parts and are used to elevate limbs.

Question 11

When making an occupied bed, what are 3 things a nurse should ensure?

Answer 11

1. ask the patient to move to the far side of the bed
2. remove all top linens except the sheet
3. make near side of bed first

Question 12

identify a couple of ways to prevent transmission of microorganisms to the nurse and others when making a bed

Answer 12

1. wear gloves
2. storing clean linens on chair or table
3. holding soiled linens away from body
4. don’t shake linen
5. wash hands

Question 13

What is the purpose of bedmaking?

Answer 13

comfort
sense of well being
safety (hygiene, reduces falls out of bed)
skin integrity (bed sores)

Question 14

What can nurses do to prevent the spread of microorganisms during bed making?

Answer 14

do not put clean sheets on floor
soiled linens taken care of immediately
wear gloves if soiled or possibility
keep soiled linens away from your body
do not shake out

Question 15

How can a nurse organize herself to make a bed?

Answer 15

1. prior to, make sure you have everything you need

2. stack them systematically in a pile so you don’t have to sort through during bedmaking process

Question 16

What are special considerations you need to have when making a bed?

Answer 16

1. body mechanics
2. respect, privacy, integrity
3. cover patient with clean flannel sheet when removing sheets
4. encourage patient to help hold bedrails
5. introduce yourself

Question 17

What are some things you can ask a patient or take into account before making their bed?

Answer 17

1. surgery?
2. pain?
3. things they like or don’t like