Checklists for Clinical Nursing Skills

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149

SKILL 7-8 Making an unoccupied bed (continued)

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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.

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27. Place the call bell within easy reach. 28. Adjust the bed to a low position.

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