During pillowcase application in bed making, what should you do with the pillow's zipper and tags?

• A. Put the pillowcase on the pillow keeping the pillow away from your uniform, making sure tags and zipper go in first.
• B. Remove the pillowcase and keep the pillow on the bed.
• C. Put the pillowcase on with the pillow touching your uniform.
• D. Put the pillowcase on after changing linens.

Answer: (A)

When applying a pillowcase, the priority is infection control: keep the pillow away from your uniform and minimize contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. By putting the pillowcase on the pillow first and tucking the zipper and any tags inside the pillowcase, you create a clean exterior surface and prevent those parts from touching you or coming into contact with your uniform. This keeps the pillowcase clean and reduces the chance of transferring germs to your uniform or to the bed.

Other approaches don’t protect your uniform or the clean linen as effectively: letting the pillow touch your uniform increases risk of contamination, and not ensuring the zipper and tags are inside can lead to snagging or exposing contaminated surfaces.