A standard hospital bed, frequently utilized in home care settings, provides multiple articulation and safety features beyond a traditional mattress and frame. These beds are usually powered by electric motors, offering patients and caregivers easy control via a handheld pendant or side rail panel. Understanding the proper operation of these controls is the foundation for maximizing patient comfort and maintaining a safe environment. This equipment is engineered to assist with patient mobility, improve circulation, and reduce the physical strain on those providing care. The functions allow the bed to be adapted precisely to meet the patient’s specific health and activity needs.
Modifying the Head and Foot Sections
Controls for the head and foot sections allow for the independent articulation of the mattress surface, moving the patient into medically advantageous positions. These functions are typically labeled with icons or phrases like “Head Up/Down” and “Knee/Foot Up/Down” on the control pendant. Raising the head section, often to a 30 to 45-degree angle, is known as Semi-Fowler’s position. This position can significantly ease breathing, reduce the risk of aspiration during eating, and provide support for activities like reading.
The knee break function raises the area beneath the patient’s knees. This works with the head section to prevent the patient from sliding down toward the foot of the bed. This adjustment helps maintain proper body alignment and can also improve venous return by slightly elevating the legs. Many modern beds feature an “Auto Contour” setting, which simultaneously raises both the head and knee sections to keep the patient comfortably in place.
Before activating articulation controls, ensure the patient is properly centered on the mattress to minimize the risk of skin shearing. Shearing occurs when the patient’s skin remains stationary against the sheet while the underlying tissue shifts with the bed, potentially leading to pressure ulcers. The bed surface movement should be performed slowly and deliberately, pausing to reposition the patient if necessary.
Adjusting Overall Bed Height
The “Hi-Low” function controls the vertical movement of the entire bed frame, raising or lowering it relative to the floor. This capability is managed by separate controls from the articulation functions, often marked with simple arrows. Setting the bed to its lowest possible position, sometimes reaching 7 to 10 inches from the floor, significantly reduces the distance a patient would fall. This low setting minimizes the risk of injury and is the safest default position when the patient is resting or sleeping unattended.
Raising the bed to its highest setting is primarily for the benefit of the caregiver performing tasks such as changing linens or administering care. Elevating the frame to approximately waist level promotes proper body mechanics and minimizes the bending and lifting that can lead to musculoskeletal strain. Always return the bed to the lowest setting immediately after care is completed and before leaving the patient alone.
Utilizing Safety Mechanisms and Controls
The stability of the bed is secured by locking casters, or wheels, which must be engaged anytime the patient is transferring in or out of the bed or receiving direct care. These brakes prevent the bed from shifting unexpectedly, which is a common cause of instability during transfers. Side rails serve as a physical barrier to prevent patients from inadvertently rolling out of bed, and when raised, they must be securely locked into their upward position.
Manufacturers adhere to strict guidelines regarding the allowable gap between the rail and the mattress to mitigate the risk of patient entrapment. The gap should be less than 4.75 inches to prevent head entrapment, especially in the critical zone between the rail and the mattress. All electric hospital beds rely on a stable power source, and many models include a battery backup or a manual override crank. This crank is usually located near the foot of the bed, allowing the caregiver to perform an emergency lowering in the event of a power failure.