Definition
Preparing a postoperative bed also called a surgical or recovery bed is a specialized nursing procedure designed to safely receive a patient returning from surgery. It ensures comfort, prevents complications, and allows for quick transfer from stretcher to bed.
Purposes for Postoperative Bed
- To provide a safe, clean and comfortable bed for a postoperative patient.
- To provide appropriate position to the patient who has undergone an operation.
- To protect the patient from being hypothermic.
- To be equipped to meet any possible postoperative emergencies.
- To protect the mattress and bedding from getting soiled from bleeding, vomiting, drainage/discharges.
- For quick transfer of patient from trolley to bed.
Articles
- All articles needed to make an open bed
- Additional articles:
- A small mackintosh and towel for head end of bed.
- A tray containing (postanesthetic tray)
- Clean rag pieces or gauze pieces
- Artery forceps
- Mouth gag
- Airway
- Tongue depressor.
- Temperature tray
- IV stand and other requisites for IV administration
- Hot water bags to warm the bed
- Bed blocks-2. (in case of surgery under spinal anesthesia)
- Suction apparatus
- Articles needed for oxygen administration.
- Additional articles as per patient requirement (e.g. pillow)
- BP apparatus
- Kidney tray
Procedure for Postoperative Bed
| Nursing action | Rationale | |
| 1 | Prepare the foundation of the bed as in open bed. | Protects the bed from soiling with vomitus |
| 2 | Place extra mackintosh and towel at the head end. | |
| 3 | The foot end of the top linen is left untucked. They are folded back evenly with the mattress. | |
| 4 | Fan-fold the top linen to the opposite side of the entrance standing on side of the bed | Helps in transferring patient easily from stretcher to bed |
| 5 | Place hot water bags beneath the fan- folded top linen and remove it before receiving the patient. | Keeps the bed warm. |
| 6 | Place articles, such as infusion stand, bed blocks and postanaesthetic tray near the bed, ready for use. | |
| 7 | Pillow is not used but can be kept at the head end. | Protects the patient from injury by hitting against the bars at head end. |
| 8 | Additional mackintosh and draw sheet can be used according to the site of operation. | Protects the bed from getting soiled. |
| 9 | Additional pillows, if used, should be protected with waterproof covers. | Additional pillows are used to support the operated area. |
| 10 | Rinse and replace the dusters and basin. | |
| 11 | Wash hands. | Reduces risk of transmission of microorganisms |
Special Considerations
| Consideration | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Fan-fold top linens to one side | Allows quick and easy transfer from stretcher to bed without disrupting sterility |
| Leave top linens untucked at foot | Prevents pressure on surgical site and accommodates foot movement |
| Place extra mackintosh & towel at head | Protects bedding from vomitus or oral secretions post-anesthesia |
| Warm the bed with hot water bottles (if needed) | Prevents hypothermia, especially after long surgeries |
| Position equipment nearby | IV stand, suction, oxygen setup, and post-anesthetic tray should be ready |
| Avoid pillow initially | Keeps airway aligned and prevents aspiration in drowsy patients |
| Use draw sheets and waterproof covers | Protects mattress from bleeding or drainage from surgical site |
| Bed height matches stretcher | Ensures smooth and safe transfer |
| Shock blocks or bed blocks ready | Useful in spinal anesthesia or hypotensive episodes |
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
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