Component Task: Divided Bed

Divided bed is a special bed in which the top linen is separated into two parts with the aid of a bed cradle to create a visual window. It helps the nurse to visualize a particular part of the body that needs regular observation without disturbing the patient.

This type of bed is ideal for the management of patient with burns and amputation; thus it takes the weight of the bedclothes off the site of injury.

Aims

·         Facilitate easy assessment of a body part

·         Keep the body part in stable position

·         Lift the weight of the bed clothing off the patient

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.      Bed cradle

f.        Sandbags if necessary

g.      Extra mackintosh

h.      Dressing towel or bedlinen

i.         Extra top sheet

Steps

1.        Perform hand hygiene

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

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

4.      Place bottom sheet evenly on the bed

5.      Pull sheet tight so that there are no creases

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

7.       Pull and tuck sheet at the sides to prevent creases

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

9.      Cover mackintosh or bed mat with draw sheet and tuck in at the sides

10.    Place extra mackintosh and dressing towel or bedlinen at the site where the injury is located

11.      Place the bed cradle at the mid portion of the bed

12.    Slip the pillow cases on the pillows with an assistant

13.    Place pillows on bed with open ends away from the entrance

14.    Place the first top sheet at the upper half of the cradle and fold it over

15.    Place the second top sheet at the lower half of the cradle and fold it over

16.    Place counterpane (if necessary) in the same fashion as the top sheets

17.    Ensure that the two sections of the top bed clothings overlap each other

18.    Create an opening to aid observation of the body part

19.    Tuck in sides under the mattress loosely

20.  Remove trolley and chair or heart table

21.    Perform hand hygiene