In occupied bed making, which action is correct?

• A. Remove the bedspread, place in linen bag, and cover the resident with bath blanket, rolling linens away from you without touching uniform.
• B. Keep bedspread on while rolling bottom linens toward you.
• C. Remove bottom linens first while the resident is uncovered.
• D. Use the same side rail up while the resident is sleeping.

Answer: (A)

In occupied bed making, the priority is to protect the resident’s privacy and safety while changing the linens. The correct approach keeps the resident covered as much as possible and handles the dirty linens in a way that minimizes contamination.

Removing the bedspread and placing it in the linen bag, then covering the resident with a bath blanket, shows you’re maintaining warmth and modesty while you work. Rolling the linens away from you helps keep the dirty fabric away from your uniform, reducing the chance of transferring germs to yourself or other surfaces. This sequence also limits the area of the resident that’s exposed, preserving dignity throughout the procedure.

Other approaches would expose the resident or increase risks: keeping the bedspread on while moving bottom linens toward you exposes more of the resident; removing bottom linens while the resident is uncovered violates privacy and comfort; and leaving a rail up on the wrong side can create safety concerns during the changing process.