1. Chapter 49:
Beds and Bed Making

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Closed Bed

6. Open Bed

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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