Hospital beds are specialized environments designed to promote patient safety, comfort, and easy care. Maintaining a precisely made bed with tight, smooth, and wrinkle-free linens is standard practice in healthcare settings. This standardization minimizes the risk of skin irritation and pressure sores, which can develop when patients are confined to a bed for extended periods. Techniques like the mitered corner are used to secure the bedding and maintain a clean environment.
Preparation and Essential Supplies
Before beginning, gather all necessary materials. Supplies include a fitted or bottom flat sheet, a top flat sheet, a blanket or bedspread, and fresh pillowcases. Depending on patient needs, a draw sheet (a smaller sheet placed across the middle) or an incontinence pad may also be necessary to protect the mattress.
Caregivers must prioritize infection control and proper body mechanics before handling any linens. Perform hand hygiene thoroughly, and wear disposable gloves when dealing with soiled materials. Adjust the bed to a comfortable working height to prevent back strain. Stack clean linens in the order they will be used on a clean surface, ensuring they do not touch the floor or uniform.
Step-by-Step Making an Unoccupied Bed
Making an unoccupied bed focuses on creating a taut, smooth foundation. After stripping and disposing of soiled linens, apply the fitted sheet over the mattress, pulling it tightly to eliminate wrinkles. If using a flat sheet as the bottom sheet, tuck the excess material securely under the mattress at the head and foot.
The “mitered corner,” also known as a hospital or military corner, is applied next. To form this secure fold, first tuck the sheet under the foot of the mattress. Lift the side edge of the sheet approximately 16 inches from the corner to create a triangular flap, laying it flat on the mattress. Tuck the hanging portion beneath the mattress, then drop the triangular flap over the side and tuck it under. This results in a crisp, 45-degree angle that holds the sheet firmly.
Layer the top flat sheet and blanket over the bottom sheet, centering them on the bed. Secure them at the foot using the mitered corner technique. Create a “toe pleat” by lifting the top linens over the patient’s feet to prevent pressure and allow for comfortable movement. Finally, fold the top sheet back over the blanket at the head to create a neat cuff, and place a clean pillowcase on the pillow with the open end facing away from the door.
Adapting the Technique for an Occupied Bed
Making an occupied bed is a modified process emphasizing patient safety and comfort. Explain the procedure to the patient, then raise the bed to a safe working height. Keep the side rail on the opposite side up for fall prevention. Gently assist the patient to turn onto their side, rolling toward the raised side rail.
Roll the soiled linens on the exposed half tightly inward, tucking them against the patient’s back. Fan-fold the clean bottom sheet, draw sheet, or pad lengthwise and place it on the newly exposed mattress half. Tuck and smooth the clean sheets under the mattress, eliminating wrinkles on that side.
Raise the side rail on the completed side and move to the opposite side. Gently roll the patient back over the “hump” of the linens, ensuring they remain covered and in proper body alignment. Remove the soiled linens from under the patient and place them directly into a laundry receptacle without shaking, which limits the spread of microorganisms.
Pull the clean linens through, unfold them, and tuck them securely under the mattress, smoothing out all wrinkles. Replace the top linens. Position the side rails appropriately before lowering the bed to its lowest setting, ensuring the call light is within reach.