149
SKILL 7-8
Making an unoccupied bed
(continued)
Comments
Excellent
Satisfactory
Needs practice
Copyright © 2014 by Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Checklists for Clinical Nursing Skills by Louise Sparkes, Jennifer Bassett and Elisabeth Jacob.
17. Tuck a flat bottom sheet securely under the head of the
mattress. Corners are usually mitred: grasp the side edge
of the sheet about 45 cm down from the mattress top. Lay
the sheet on top of the mattress to form a triangular fold.
Pick up the top of the triangular fold and place it over the
side of the sheet under the mattress. Continue tucking the
remaining bottom sheet securely under the mattress.
18. If using, place the drawsheet or protective underlay with
its centre fold in the centre of the bed and positioned so
it will be located under the patient’s midsection. Not all
agencies use drawsheets routinely. The nurse may decide
to use one.
19. Move to the other side of the bed to secure the bottom
linen. Pull the drawsheet tightly and tuck it securely
under the mattress.
20. If using a fitted bottom sheet, pull the sheet over the
corners at the head and foot of the mattress, then tuck the
drawsheet securely under the mattress.
21. Place the top sheet on the bed with its centre fold in the
centre of the bed and with the hem even with the head
of the mattress. Unfold the top sheet. Follow the same
procedure with the top blanket and/or quilt, placing the
upper edge about 15 cm below the top of the sheet.
22. Tuck the top sheet and blanket under the foot of the bed
on the near side. Mitre the corners.
23. Either fold the upper 15 cm of the top sheet down over
the quilt and make a cuff or fold the sheet and blanket
down 15 cm to make a cuff and then fold the quilt under
itself 15 cm to cover the sheet and blanket cuff.
24. Move to the other side of the bed and follow the same
procedure for securing the top sheet under the foot of the
bed and making a cuff.
25. Place the pillows on the bed. Open each pillowcase in
the same manner as you opened other linen. Gather the
pillowcase over one hand towards the closed end. Grasp
the pillow with your hand inside the pillowcase, keep a
firm hold on the top of the pillow and pull the cover onto
the pillow. Place the pillows at the head of the bed, with
the open end facing away from the door.
26. Fan-fold or pie-fold the top linen, if desired.
27. Place the call bell within easy reach.
28. Adjust the bed to a low position.
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