Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

General Nursing (RGN)

FRACTURE BED

This is a special bed with a firm base or support for nursing patients with fractures. The bed may have an overhead frame for traction apparatus and trapeze to aid lifting, exercise and movement.

Purpose

  • Help maintain appropriate alignment of the fracture and support healing
  • Prevent further injury
  • Minimize pain
  • Provide firm support for the patient
  • Facilitate safe positioning and movement

Indications

  • Patients with fractures requiring bed-based nursing care
  • Patients requiring firm mattress support
  • Patients receiving prescribed traction
  • Patients requiring assistance with positioning or movement after fracture

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
  • Fracture boards
  • Foot board or sand bags
  • Traction or trapeze accessories if prescribed

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 fracture boards under the mattress to provide firm support and prevent sagging
  • 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 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 small mackintosh and dressing towel at the area where the fracture is located
  • Put clean pillowcases on the pillows
  • Place pillows on the bed with open ends away from the entrance
  • Place top sheet on the bed with the wrong side uppermost
  • Fold over at the bottom and tuck in loosely
  • Place bed cover and counterpane loosely over the bed if necessary
  • Fold over top bed clothing at the bottom end
  • Place a foot board or sand bags at the foot end of the bed
  • Tuck sheets loosely at the sides
  • Attach prescribed bed accessories
  • Remove trolley and chair or heart table
  • Perform hand hygiene

Precautions

  • Follow the prescribed fracture and traction management plan
  • Avoid unnecessary movement of the fractured limb
  • Maintain alignment of the affected body part
  • Use adequate assistance when repositioning the patient
  • Check traction equipment for correct positioning when applicable
  • Do not alter prescribed traction weights without authorization
  • Monitor circulation, sensation and movement as appropriate
  • Avoid wrinkles and pressure points in the linen
  • Maintain patient privacy and comfort
  • Report increasing pain, swelling, colour change, numbness or other concerning findings promptly

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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