General Nursing (RGN)
OPERATION BED
It is a special bed prepared to receive a patient returning from theatre after a surgical procedure has been performed.
Purpose
- Facilitate quick and safe reception of the patient from theatre
- Protect linen from body discharges
- Provide warmth and comfort
- Ensure equipment required for immediate post-operative care is available
Indications
- Patient returning from theatre after surgery
- Patient requiring immediate post-operative nursing care
- Patient returning after general or regional anaesthesia
- Patients requiring close observation after an operative procedure
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
- Hot water bottles
- Vital signs tray
- Medication tray
- Post-anaesthetic tray
- Observation chart
- Drip stand
- Oxygen apparatus
- Suction machine
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 a chair or heart table
- Place the bottom sheet evenly on the bed
- Pull the sheet tight so that there are no creases
- Tuck the sheet evenly under the mattress at the top and bottom using envelope or mitered corners
- Place bed mat or draw mackintosh at the middle portion of the bed
- Cover the mackintosh with the draw sheet and tuck in at the sides
- Place protective dressing towel at the top of the bed towards the sides
- Leave pillow on the chair by the bed
- Place hot water bottles on the bed before the patient's arrival when required
- Spread blanket on the bed
- Place top sheet with the wrong side uppermost and turn back the bottom end
- Fold the top bed clothes at the open side in three parts over the bed for easy admission
- Place a post-anaesthetic tray by the bedside
- Arrange other bed accessories by the bedside including drip stand, bed rails, vital signs tray, medication tray, suction machine and oxygen apparatus
- Remove hot water bottles before receiving the patient
- Perform hand hygiene
Precautions
- Remove hot water bottles before receiving the patient
- Ensure oxygen and suction equipment are available when indicated
- Ensure bed rails are available and used according to patient condition
- Maintain warmth without causing overheating
- Keep emergency and post-anaesthetic equipment accessible
- Ensure the bed is stable and brakes are applied
- Maintain privacy and dignity
- Observe the patient closely on arrival and report abnormalities promptly
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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