Component Task: Making an Operation Bed

It is a special bed prepared to receive a patient returning from the theatre after a surgical procedure has been performed.

Aims

·         Quick admittance of patient from the theatre

·         Protect linen from any discharges

·         Provide warmth

Requirements

a.      A trolley with the following items:

·         Two large cotton sheet (Bed linen)

·         One water proof draw mackintosh or bed mat if necessary

·         One draw sheet

·         Pillow slips

·         One top sheet

·         Counterpane if necessary

b.      Two chairs or heart table

c.      Mattress

d.      One or two pillows

e.      Mackintosh or any water proof material and dressing towel

f.        Hot water bottles

g.      Vital signs tray

h.      Medication tray

i.         Post anaethestic tray e.g. vomit bowl, wound dressing set, padded spatula or tongue holding forceps, receiver for soiled swab, adhesive tape, sterile gauze etc.

j.         Observation chart (manual or electronic)

k.       Drip stand

l.         Oxygen apparatus

m.   Suction machine

Steps

1.        Perform hand hygiene

2.      Collect, arrange items on trolley and send to bedside

3.      Arrange items in order of use on a chair or heart table

4.      Place bottom sheet evenly on the bed

5.      Pull sheet tight so that there are no creases

6.      Tuck the sheet evenly under the mattress at the top and bottom using enveloped or mitered corners

7.       Place bed mat or draw mackintosh at the mid portion of the bed

8.      Cover mackintosh with draw sheet and tuck in at the sides

9.      Place protective dressing towel at top of the bed towards the sides

10.    Leave pillow on chair by the bed

11.      Place hot water bottles on the bed

12.    Spread blanket on bed

13.    Place top sheet on with the wrong side uppermost and turns back the bottom end

14.    Fold the top bed clothes at the open side in three parts over the bed for easy admission of patient

15.    Place a post anaesthetic tray by bed side

16.    Arrange other bed accessories by the bedside e.g. drip stand, bed rails, vital signs tray medication tray, suction machine, oxygen apparatus

17.    Perform hand hygiene