Preparation of the Bed.—Probably the first thing that will need the attention of the nurse will be the bed. In very few families will she find the mattress protected, which should be done both for cleanliness and to lessen expense. Many persons think that in the absence of a rubber sheet or an oilcloth an old blanket or a comforter will do to protect the mattress, but such substitutes must not be used if they can possibly be avoided, as it is impossible to know where they have been or how dirty they are; they may be filled with germs. One can always procure newspapers, which will absorb the discharges, and which can be burned when removed. They are to be placed between the under sheet and the draw-sheet, which, if put on here, will keep the under sheet clean much longer.

   In making the bed the under sheet should be well tucked in at the top and sides, even if it is a little short at the bottom, for it is easier to pull an under sheet down from the bottom than to pull it up from the top. Next comes the rubber sheet, oilcloth, or newspapers. The four corners of the rubber sheet must be pinned to prevent wrinkling. The smooth end of the draw-sheet must come under the patient’s back. The upper clothing must be well tucked in at the foot, still not too tightly, and the nurse should guard against a weight of clothing lying on the patient’s chest; if the sheets or blankets are very long, the surplus must be brought down to the foot of the bed.

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This entry was posted on Saturday, April 12th, 2008 at 9:25 pm.
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