What is the first step when making an occupied bed?

• A. Lower side rail on the side you are working.
• B. Adjust bed height to comfortable working condition.
• C. Check care plan for any precautions.
• D. Loosen top bed linens at foot of bed.

Answer: (C)

The first thing to do is review the resident’s care plan for any precautions or restrictions. This step guides how you safely carry out the bed-making task, showing if there are fall precautions, skin integrity concerns, infection control measures, mobility limitations, or device-related expectations you must follow. Knowing these details before touching linens or adjusting the bed helps protect the resident and ensure you’re acting on the prescribed guidance. After confirming precautions, you would then proceed with the procedure’s safety and setup steps (like aligning the bed to a comfortable working height and handling rails as needed) and then change the linens. The other actions are part of carrying out the task, not the very first step.