Bedmaking and Unit Care

A standard hospital bed can be adjusted for 

• height and position
• turning the patient
• height only
• position only

The patient can adjust an electrically operated bed to 

• elevate or lower the side rails.
• change the softness or firmness of the mattress for comfort. 
• raise the knees and height of the bed.
• raise and lower the head and knees.

Bed linen is always changed 

• every other day.
• when soiled.
• weekly.
• only when the patient requests it.

The closed bed is made when the patient is

• sitting in the chair at the bedside.
• in bed.
• discharged. 
• having surgery.

Which of the following is true about handling linen?

• Clean and soiled linen are always carried next to your uniform.
• Extra linen in a room cannot be removed and used for another patient. 
• When making an occupied bed, put the soiled linen on the floor.
• Wear gloves when applying clean lined to avoid contamination. 

After making the bed.

• return the bed to the lowest position.
• always unlock the bed wheels
• always cover the pillow with the bedspread.
• raise the side rails.

The open bed

• is made when the patient is discharged. 
• has the top bedding fanfolded at the foot.
• has the top bedding folded to one side.
• is made with the patient in bed.

When making an occupied bed.

• the patient is in the bed.
• make the top first, then the bottom. 
• keep the bed in the low position. 
• the patient is out of the bed.

When changing linen that is soiled with body fluids. 

• place the linen on the floor until it can be removed.
• fold with the soiled side out.
• wear gloves and avoid contact with your uniform. 
• ask the patient to try to make it to the bathroom next time. 

When making an occupied bed.

• cover the patient with a bath blanket when removing the top sheet.
• begin making the bed at the foot and work your way to the head.
• lift the patient gently to slide the linen under him.
• keep the bed in the low position with the rails down.