A closed bed is an unoccupied hospital bed sealed with the top linens drawn up to the head of the mattress and tucked in on all sides. This arrangement signals that the room is ready for a new patient following a thorough cleaning and disinfection. This standard nursing practice ensures a consistent level of hygiene and readiness, maintaining a dust-free environment for the incoming individual.
Why Hospitals Use the Closed Bed Setup
The closed bed setup is rooted in principles of infection control and unit management. Completely enclosing the layers of linen provides a barrier that protects the clean sheets from airborne contaminants, dust, and dirt. This physical sealing maintains the hygienic integrity of the bed until a patient occupies it.
The closed bed also serves a logistical function by visually communicating the unit status to staff. A tightly made bed indicates that cleaning is complete and the bed is prepared and awaiting a new admission. This standardization streamlines the patient flow process and minimizes delays in transferring new patients from the emergency department or other areas. The smooth, taut surface of a properly made closed bed reduces the chances of wrinkles forming, which can contribute to skin breakdown or pressure sores for patients lying on it for an extended period.
The Standard Procedure for Bed Making
The process of making a closed bed begins with gathering fresh linens and positioning the bed to a comfortable working height to prevent staff strain. A clean bottom sheet, which may be flat or fitted, is placed smoothly over the mattress, ensuring all wrinkles are eliminated to protect the patient’s skin integrity. Protective layers, such as a rubber draw sheet or an absorbent pad, are then positioned in the center and tucked securely under the mattress.
The top sheet and blanket are placed over the bed, with the top edge aligned with the head of the mattress. The defining characteristic of the closed bed is the technique used to secure the linens, which involves tucking the top sheet, blanket, and bedspread under the foot of the mattress. This tucking is performed using the mitered corner method, which creates a sharp, diagonal fold at the corners. To execute this, the staff member lifts the edge of the linen, creating a triangle of fabric, lays the triangle flat against the mattress, and then tucks the remaining fabric underneath. This technique ensures all top linens are sealed and held tightly in place against the mattress.
How Closed Beds Differ from Other Hospital Beds
The closed bed is one of three primary bed arrangements used in patient care, each serving a different purpose based on the patient’s status. It is distinct from the open bed, which is prepared for an admitted patient expected to return, such as one who is ambulatory or temporarily out for a procedure. In the open bed configuration, the top linens are not tucked and sealed but are fan-folded down to the foot of the bed for easy entry.
The third type is the occupied bed, which must be made while the patient remains in it because they are unable to get out. This procedure focuses on changing the linens in sections while ensuring the patient’s safety, comfort, and minimal disturbance. The difference between a closed bed and these other types lies in the state of patient occupancy and the resulting linen arrangement.