Preparing a Surgical Bed

Strip the bed. Place and leave the pillows on the bedside chair. Apply the bottom lines as for an occupied bed. Place a bath blanket on the foundation of the bed, if this is an agency practice. Place the top covers of the bed as you would for an unoccupied bed. Do not tuck them in, miter the corners, or make a toe pleat. Make a cuff at top of the bed as you would for an unoccupied bed. Fold the top linens up from the bottom. On the side of the bed where the client will be transferred, fold up the two outer corners of the top linens so they meet in the middle of the bed forming a triangle. Pick up the apex of the triangle, and fanfold the top linens lengthwise to the other side of the bed. Leave the bed in high position with the side rails down. Lock the wheels of the bed if the bed is not to be moved.