General Nursing (RGN)
DIVIDED BED
A 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 visualize a particular part of the body requiring regular observation without unnecessarily disturbing the patient.
Purpose
- Facilitate easy assessment of a body part
- Keep the affected body part in a stable position
- Lift the weight of the bed clothing off the patient
- Protect injured areas from unnecessary pressure
Indications
- Patients with burns requiring regular observation
- Patients with amputations requiring regular observation
- Patients with wounds requiring frequent inspection
- Patients with an injured body part that should not be covered by the weight of bedclothes
Equipment
- A trolley with the following items:
- Two large cotton sheets (Bed linen)
- One waterproof draw mackintosh or bed mat if necessary
- One draw sheet
- Pillow slips
- One top sheet
- Counterpane if necessary
- Bed cradle
- Extra mackintosh and dressing towel or bed linen
Procedure steps
- Perform hand hygiene
- Collect and arrange items on the trolley and send them to the bedside
- Arrange items in order of use on chairs or heart table
- Place bottom sheet evenly on the bed
- Pull sheet tight so that there are no creases
- Tuck the bottom sheet evenly under the mattress at the top and bottom using mitered or envelope corners
- Pull and tuck the sheet at the sides to prevent creases
- Place bed mat or draw mackintosh at the middle portion of the bed
- Cover mackintosh or bed mat with draw sheet and tuck in at the sides
- Place extra mackintosh and dressing towel or bed linen at the site where the injury is located
- Place the bed cradle at the middle portion of the bed
- Put clean pillowcases on the pillows
- Place pillows on the bed with open ends away from the entrance
- Place the first top sheet at the upper half of the cradle and fold it over
- Place the second top sheet at the lower half of the cradle and fold it over
- Place counterpane if necessary in the same fashion as the top sheets
- Ensure that the two sections of the top bed clothing overlap appropriately
- Create an opening to aid observation of the affected body part
- Tuck in the sides under the mattress loosely
- Remove trolley and chair or heart table
- Perform hand hygiene
Precautions
- Ensure the bed cradle is stable and correctly positioned
- Avoid allowing bedclothes to rest directly on the injured area
- Maintain patient privacy while providing the required observation window
- Avoid unnecessary movement of the affected body part
- Keep the opening appropriate to the area requiring observation
- Maintain clean linen and infection-prevention measures
- Check the affected area regularly according to the care plan
- Report changes in the affected area promptly
- Ensure the patient remains comfortable and adequately covered
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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