Title: (Optional) Make unoccupied and occupied beds.
Course: Health Assisting Careers (14002-I) > Section: Providing for Basic Health Needs

Making an occupied bed should include

- selection of appropriate linens
- patient’s/client's safety and privacy at all times
- use of proper body mechanics
- infection control measures throughout the procedure.

For students taking the nurse aide credential at the end of the course, follow the Virginia Board of Nursing regulations: Commonwealth of Virginia Regulations Governing Certified Nurse Aides, Virginia Board of Nursing (https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/PractitionerResources/LawsRegulations/).

Process/Skill Questions:

- When would you change the bedspread on a bed?
- What is the purpose of wearing gloves when stripping used bed linens from the bed?
- Where do you put soiled linens?
- What linens are needed, in order of use, to make an unoccupied bed?
- When are side rails used during the making of an occupied bed?
- How is patient’s/client's privacy protected during the making of an occupied bed?
- How do you protect yourself from back injuries when performing this procedure?
- Why would you move a patient/client closer to the edge of the bed nearest you before turning him/her over on his/her side?