What is an alternating mattress used for?
used to reduce pressure on patient’s skin
What is a bed cradle?
a metal frame that is attached to the mattress to hold the weight on the top covers off the feet and legs
What is a footboard?
covered board is placed at foot of bed and situated so feet rest against it and are at right angles to the legs
What is the purpose of a footboard?
- 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
How do you make a bed with a cradle?
fold back top covers and apply bed cradle to the mattress
place top covers over the cradle and mitre the corners
Can a footboard and bed cradle be used together?
yes
How does an alternating mattress work?
it alternately deflates and inflates, creating a cycling effect to minimize pressure on bony prominences
What is a trapeze bar?
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.
What is siderail protection?
they are covers or pads applied to the bedrails of individuals who regularly roll over and onto the rails
What are the purpose of pillows?
they provide support to body parts and are used to elevate limbs.
When making an occupied bed, what are 3 things a nurse should ensure?
- ask the patient to move to the far side of the bed
- remove all top linens except the sheet
- make near side of bed first
identify a couple of ways to prevent transmission of microorganisms to the nurse and others when making a bed
- wear gloves
- storing clean linens on chair or table
- holding soiled linens away from body
- don’t shake linen
- wash hands
What is the purpose of bedmaking?
comfort
sense of well being
safety (hygiene, reduces falls out of bed)
skin integrity (bed sores)
What can nurses do to prevent the spread of microorganisms during bed making?
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
How can a nurse organize herself to make a bed?
- 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
What are special considerations you need to have when making a bed?
- body mechanics
- respect, privacy, integrity
- cover patient with clean flannel sheet when removing sheets
- encourage patient to help hold bedrails
- introduce yourself
What are some things you can ask a patient or take into account before making their bed?
- surgery?
- pain?
- things they like or don’t like
