 Psychological ◦ Feel comfortable and refreshed  Physiological ◦ Wrinkled bed can cause skin irritation and contribute to pressure sores / decubitus ulcers  Environmental ◦ Reservoir of microorganisms acquired from contact with patient

 The nurse must follow aseptic principles when making a bed to prevent the spread of microorganisms by: ◦ Handwashing – wear gloves if linen soiled or you have an open lesion on your hands. ◦ Keep soiled linen away from body ◦ Place soiled linen in bag, never on the floor ◦ Never shake or fluff, always fold linen– prevents air currents that may spread microorganisms. ◦ Do not touch your hair, body with contaminated hands while bed making

 Stand facing in the direction in which you are working and avoid twisting the body  Have the center of gravity close to the base of support  Use stronger arm and leg muscles  Keep back straight and knees flexed  Have bed at correct height  Use of poor body mechanics can lead to chronic back problems

 Provide privacy and comfort for the patient while making the bed by: ◦ Keep the patient covered ◦ Move gently and smoothly

 Utilize appropriate human and material resources to be cost effective by: ◦ Use least amount of time by gathering all supplies prior to starting ◦ Stack linen in reverse order of use ◦ Move furniture away from the bed ◦ Strip and make one side of the bed completely before moving to the other side ◦ Use a systematic method

 Maintain safety while making the bed by: ◦ Keep side rails up on side away from the nurse. ◦ Keep call bell within reach ◦ Check bed for malfunctions ◦ Keep patient in good body alignment ◦ Obtain help to hold the patient if necessary to ensure safety

 Be sure that the bed looks neat when finished.  If you fan-fold the covers to the foot of the bed as in an open bed, take time to get the folds straight.  Stand back and look at the bed ask yourself --Does it look neat?

 Unoccupied ◦ Patient is up and not in the bed  Occupied ◦ Patient in the bed and unable to get up  Surgical ◦ Ready to receive a patient after surgery or following a procedure

 Occupied Bed ◦ Harkreader p  Unoccupied ◦ Harkreader p  Surgical ◦ Harkreader p. 811