Changing Linens for an Occupied Bed
Changing an Occupied Bed
If your patient is not able to leave the bed while you change bedding, you will need to change the linens while the patient remains in bed. Whenever possible, this is best accomplished by two people. Before you begin, wash your hands carefully and put on gloves. Begin by greeting your patient and explaining that you will be changing his or her bedding. Then, follow these steps:
Roll the patient gently onto his or her side, ensuring that the patient will not fall. Then, undo the fitted sheet and roll it toward the patient, placing the top of the sheet where it touched the patient into the rolled up sheet.
Unfold a clean fitted sheet and place it on the portion of the bed that has been unmade. Place a pad on top of the fitted sheet so that it will lie underneath the patient’s hips. Gather the clean linen by rolling it inward, and place it underneath the edge of the dirty linen.
Gently roll the patient to the other side of the bed so that they are lying on the clean, rolled linen. Remove all dirty linen and place it into the appropriate container.
Unroll the clean fitted sheet and pad, and pull it tightly against the bed to make sure there are no wrinkles. Secure the sheet to the bed, and roll the patient onto his or her back.
Cover the patient with a clean flat sheet and blanket, and then secure the lower corners of the flat sheet using mitered or “hospital” corners.
Assist the patient in moving to a comfortable position, and adjust sheets and blankets as necessary.
Dispose of your gloves, and then wash your hands.
Replacing linens often is part of a comprehensive infection control system. Clean linens also help the patient remain comfortable, and keep the room looking tidy. By following this procedure, you will be able to complete linen changes in a quick and efficient manner, minimizing discomfort for your patient.
Changing the linens in an occupied bed.
The candidate is asked to change the top and bottom sheet and pillowcase on the bed while the resident stays in the bed.
Procedure Steps:
Knock on the door, than enter the resident’s room.
Greet the resident, address them by name.
Introduce yourself.
Wash Your Hands.
Check the Resident’s ID (to make sure it’s the right person)
Provide explanations to resident all throughout the procedure.
Make sure the resident is always a safe distance from the edge of the bed.
Begin by removing the bottom sheet on one side of the bed.
Push the old sheet up close to the resident.
Start putting the new sheet on the part of the mattress you have exposed.
Assist the resident in moving to the side of the bed already covered with the new sheet.
Keep resident positioned on a bottom sheet throughout procedure.
Secure bottom sheet to mattress. (all 4 corners)
Leave bottom sheet free of creases and folds.
If dealing with a large resident, and you cannot completely role them off the old bottom sheet. Gently remove the old bottom sheet without pulling sheets in a manner that creates friction and risks skin shearing.
Replace the top sheet over the resident with a clean sheet.
Tuck the top sheet under the foot of the mattress leaving the sheet placed loosely, avoiding pressure against toes and allowing foot movement.
Leave the top sheet placed on top of resident to cover their body up to shoulder level, without tucking it in along sides.
Keep the pillow positioned under resident’s head throughout and at the end of the procedure, except when removed briefly to replace pillowcase.
Complete the procedure with resident positioned between the top and bottom sheet.
Placing soiled linens in hamper and dispose of trash.
Wash your hands.
Give the resident the call light.