Making an Unoccupied Bed

Summary

This instructional script details the steps for making an unoccupied bed with a focus on proper hygiene and infection control. The process begins with sanitizing hands before gathering clean linens in a designated order. The script emphasizes handling dirty linens safely, avoiding contact with the floor, and ensuring the bed is adjusted for comfort and safety. It covers the careful placement of sheets, lift sheets, and soaker pads, including proper mitering techniques and the correct orientation of pillows. The bed is completed with attention to infection prevention, ensuring linens don’t touch the floor, and finishing with hand sanitization after disposal of dirty linens.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sanitize hands before entering the clean linen closet and again before handling linens in the room.
• 😀 Gather linens in the order they'll be placed on the bed: fitted sheet, lift sheet, soaker pad, flat sheet, and pillowcases.
• 😀 Knock on the door before entering and ensure a clean surface is available for the linens.
• 😀 Always wear gloves when handling dirty linens to maintain infection control.
• 😀 Adjust the bed to a comfortable height to prevent strain on your back.
• 😀 Check the bed for any personal items (e.g., dentures, remotes) that could be lost during linen change.
• 😀 Place dirty linens in a linen bag, never directly on the floor, to avoid contamination.
• 😀 After handling dirty linens, remove gloves, dispose of them properly, and sanitize hands.
• 😀 Smooth out the flat sheet and ensure seams are positioned away from the resident's skin for comfort.
• 😀 Make mitered corners on the bed to ensure the sheets stay in place and prevent restraint on the resident's feet.
• 😀 Always place the pillow with the open end facing away from the door to reduce the risk of pathogens entering.
• 😀 Lower the bed carefully, ensuring no linens touch the floor, and secure the bed for safety.
• 😀 Dispose of dirty linens properly and sanitize your hands after completing the task.

Q & A

Why is it important to sanitize your hands before handling linens?

Sanitizing your hands before handling linens helps prevent the spread of germs and pathogens, maintaining a clean and infection-free environment, especially in healthcare settings.

What is the proper way to dispose of dirty linens?

Dirty linens should be placed in a linen bag and should never touch the floor directly. This is crucial to prevent the spread of pathogens.

Why should the fitted sheet's seams be placed against the mattress and not in contact with the resident's skin?

The seams of the fitted sheet should be placed against the mattress to avoid irritation or discomfort to the resident, as direct contact with the seams may cause skin abrasions or pressure points.

What is the purpose of the lift sheet, and how should it be positioned on the bed?

The lift sheet helps in repositioning or lifting the resident without causing discomfort or pressure points. It should be placed in the middle of the bed, aligned with the resident's shoulders, and smoothed out to ensure comfort.

Why should the waterproof side of the soaker pad face down?

The waterproof side of the soaker pad should face down to ensure that it protects the bed from moisture and spills while providing a dry surface for the resident.

How should the flat sheet be positioned on the bed to ensure it is hygienic?

The flat sheet should have its seams facing away from the resident's skin to prevent contact with potentially harmful seams. If the seams end up on the resident’s skin, they should be adjusted, possibly by cuffing the sheet at the top.

What is the purpose of making a mitered corner with the flat sheet?

Making a mitered corner helps secure the sheet in place, preventing it from shifting or bunching up during use, ensuring the resident is comfortable and the bed remains neat.

Why is it important not to tuck the foot of the flat sheet too tightly?

Tucking the foot of the flat sheet too tightly can restrict the resident's movement, which could be considered a restraint. The sheet should be tucked in securely but not too tight to ensure comfort and freedom of movement.

What is the significance of placing the open end of the pillowcase away from the door?

Placing the open end of the pillowcase away from the door helps prevent contamination from external pathogens or germs that may be present when the door is opened.

Why is it necessary to lower the bed after making it, and what should be checked afterward?

Lowering the bed ensures the resident’s safety and comfort. After lowering, it's important to check that none of the linens have touched the floor and that the bed is locked in place to prevent accidental movement.