Making a post operative bed

◘ The entire bed need clean linen.

◘ Make the bottom of bed as you normally would. The post operative the bottom of bed as you normally would. The post operative bed usually requires a draw sheet under the client’s hips. Usually another draw sheet is placed under the client’s heard.

◘ In some cases, top liners are simply tan-folded to the foot of the bed. In others, a full post operative bed is made. To do this, put the top linens over the foundation, but do not tuck them in. Fold down the top as you would do in an occupied bed. Then fold the bottom of the linens up so that the fold is even with
the bottom of the mattress. Do not tuck the linen in. Fanfold the top linens to the side so that they lay opposite from where you will place the client’s stretcher. Alternatively, you may fanfold the linens to the foot of the bed. Leave a tab on top for easy grasping.

◘ Have two or more pillows available, but do not put them on the bed. Rational: A pillow may be contraindicated for a client, usually the physician or charge nurse will determine when it is safe for the client to have one.

◘ Be sure all furniture is out of the way.

◘ Be sure the call light is available, but keep it on the bed side stand until the client is in bed. The call light cord is kept out of the way, to facilitate the transfer of the client to bed.

◘ Know what surgical procedure your client has had before you determine what special equipment is needed. For the client’s convenience and safety, make the following items available: tissue, an emesis basin, a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, a “frequent vital signs” flow sheet an in take and output record, and an intravenous (IV) stand. Other items can be added according to the client specific requirements.

◘ Report to your charge nurse when you have completed the postoperative bed and assembled the necessary equipment.

N.B. Procedures for other beds like cardiac bed are similar except the following points.
• For cardiac patient the bed need extra materials such as over bed table and additional pillows
• Hard board is needed under the mattress for fracture bed.

Study questions
1. How many types of bed making do you know?
2. What is the function of bed the cradle?
3. Which types of bed are usually prepared for newly admitted patients?
4. What is the difference between open and closed bed?
5. Define occupied bed.