Chapter 49: Beds and Bed Making

Gatch Bed Most commonly used bed in healthcare facilities Adjusts to different positions An electric mechanism lowers and raises the bed *controls incorporated into its side rails The head and foot of the bed can be lowered or raised Client and caregivers can use controls Gatch adjustments may be operated using a hand crank

Bed Making Purpose To help the client feel comfortable To decrease pathogens in the client’s environment To reduce the potential for skin breakdown To control odor *Change linens that are soiled *beds should be changed when the sheets are stained and after morning care or bath Proper body mechanics are an essential part of bed making

Making an Unoccupied Bed Empty at the time it is made Closed bed No client has been assigned to the bed Open bed A bed to which a client is already assigned *the top covers are fan-folded to the foot of the bed

Closed Bed

Open Bed

Opening a Bed for a Client *Turn the bedspread down from the top, and fold it around and over the top edge of the blanket. Fold the sheet over the top of the blanket and spread. Turn the top bedding down to the foot of the mattress and fold it back on itself. *Always leave the bed in low position after caring for the client.

Occupied Bed Making an occupied bed Changing bed linens with the client in the bed Work quickly and disturb the client as little as possible If done efficiently, this procedure requires minimum exertion for both you and the client

Postoperative or Surgical Bed Closed bed that has been “opened” to receive a person on a stretcher. Top linens are fan-folded to the side of the bed and out of the way. Usually in high position to receive the client from the stretcher.

Attachments and Accessories *Bed cradle Frame used to prevent the bedclothes from touching all or part of the client’s body *Side rails To prevent the clients from falling out of bed and also help to change position while in bed *Footboard To prevent abnormal plantar flexion or a deformity called footdrop

Attachments and Accessories (cont.) *Bed board Placed under the mattress to support the body CPR headboard Placed under the client if CPR is needed IV standard Holds the bags for intravenous (IV) or blood therapy

Attachments and Accessories (cont.) **Trapeze used by the client to pull up to a sitting position or to lift the shoulders and hips off the bed Used to exercise and strengthen arms especially if the client will use crutches or is a person with paraplegia **Traction Device consisting of a series of ropes, pulleys and weights that serve to keep a body part in proper alignment

Special Beds and Mattress Egg crate mattress Flotation mattress or pad Therapeutic beds *used to treat clients with severe joint contractures, prolonged immobility or skin wounds Orthopedic beds and frames *support clients who must remain immobilized for straight, flat alignment of body Circle bed (Circ-O-Lectric bed) TheraPulse ATP alternating pressure bed Bariatric beds