Skill 68
Specialty Beds
Air-Fluidized, Air-Suspension, and Rotokinetic
The air-suspension bed supports a patient’s weight on air-filled cushions. A low-air-loss system minimizes pressure and reduces shear. If a patient has large stage III or IV pressure ulcers on multiple turning surfaces of the skin, a low-air-loss bed or air-fluidized bed may be indicated (WOCN, 2010).
An air-fluidized bed is a powered device designed to distribute a patient’s weight evenly over its support surface (Fig. 68-1). Fluidization is created by forcing a gentle flow of temperature-controlled air upward through a mass of fine ceramic microspheres. The microspheres fluidize and assume the appearance of boiling milk and all the properties of a fluid.
Fig. 68-1 Combination air-fluidized, low-air-loss bed. (©2008 Hill-Rom Services. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.)
The Rotokinetic bed helps maintain skeletal alignment while providing constant rotation. This bed improves skeletal alignment with constant side-to-side rotation up to 90 degrees.
Delegation Considerations
The skill of placing a patient on an air-suspension or air-fluidized bed can be delegated to nursing assistive personnel (NAP), but the skill of placing a patient on a Rotokinetic bed cannot. In all cases, you complete the assessment, determine the need for a support surface, and select the specific surface. Some types of support surfaces require that the manufacturer representative prepare and maintain the support system. The nurse directs the NAP to:
▪ Monitor the exact rotation frequency of the bed.
▪ Notify the nurse if the patient becomes disoriented or restless or complains of nausea.
