The patient unit in the hospital is of three types

1. Private room – is a room in which only one patient be admitted

2. Semi private room – is a patient unit which can accommodate two patients

3. Ward- is a room, which can receive three or more patients. Consists of a hospital bed, bed side stand, over bed table, chair, overhead light, suction and oxygen, electrical outlets, sphygmomanometer, a nurse’s call light, waste container and bed side table and others as needed and available. In the home, the client unit is the primary area where the client receives care. It may be bedroom, or the main living area.

A. Hospital Bed
• Gatch bed: a manual bed which requires the use of hand racks or foot pedals to manipulate the bed into
desired positions i.e. to elevate the head or the foot of the bed
• Most commonly found in Ethiopia hospitals
• Are less expensive and free of safety hazard
• Handles should be positioned under the bed when not in use

C. Side rails
• It should be attached to both sides of the bed
_ Full rails – run the length of the bed
– Half rails _ run only half the length of the bed and commonly attached to the pediatrics bed.

D. Bed Side Table/Cabinet
• Is a small cabinet that generally consists of a drawer and a cupboard area with shelves
• Used to store the utensils needed for clients care. Includes the washbasin (bath basin, emesis (kidney) basin, bed pan and urinal
• Has a towel rack on either sides or along the back
• Is best for storing personal items that are desired near by or that will be used frequently
E.g. soap, shampoo, lotion etc

E. Over Bed Table
• The height is adjustable
• Can be positioned and consists of a rectangular, flat surface supported by a side bar attached to a wide base on wheels
• Along side or over the bed or over a chair
• Used for holding the tray during meals, or care items when completing personal hygiene

F. The Chair
• Most basic care units have at least one chair located near the bedside
• For the use of the client, a visitor, or a care provider

G. Overhead Light (examination light)
• Is usually placed at the head of the bed, attached to either the wall or the ceiling
• A movable lamp may also be used
• Useful for the client for reading or doing close work
• Important for the nurse during assessment

H. Suction and Oxygen Outlets
• Suction is a vacuum created in a tube that is used to pull (evacuate) fluids from the body E.g. to clear respiratory mucus or fluids
• Oxygen is one of the gases frequently used for health care today. Oxygen is derived through a tube.

I. Electrical Outlets
• Almost always available in the wall at the head of the bed

J. Sphygmomanometer
• The blood pressure assessment tool, has two types:
1. An aneroid
2. Mercury, which is frequently used during nursing assessment.

K. Call Light
• Used for client’s to maintain constant contact with care providers