Bedside Spirometry
Bedside Spirometry Bedside spirometry measures forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV), allowing calculation of other pulmonary function indices, such as timed forced expiratory flow rate. Depending on…
Bedpan and Urinal Use
Bedpan and Urinal Use Bedpans and urinals permit elimination by a bedridden patient and accurate observation and measurement of urine and stool by the nurse. A bedpan is used by…
Bedmaking, Unoccupied
Bedmaking, Unoccupied Although considered routine, daily changing and periodic straightening of bed linens promotes patient comfort and prevents skin breakdown. When preceded by hand hygiene, performed using clean technique, and…
Bedmaking, Occupied
Bedmaking, Occupied For a bedridden patient, linen changes promote comfort and help prevent skin breakdown and health care–acquired infection. Such changes require the use of side rails to prevent the…
Bed Equipment, Supplemental
Bed Equipment, Supplemental Certain equipment can promote the bedridden patient’s comfort and help prevent pressure ulcers and other complications of immobility. A wood or hard plastic footboard helps prevent footdrop…
Bariatric Bed Use
Bariatric Bed Use Obesity affects nearly one-third of all Americans. A patient is considered obese if his body mass index (BMI) is 30 kg/m2 or greater. Typical hospital beds are…
Balloon Valvuloplasty Care
Balloon Valvuloplasty Care Although the treatment of choice for valvular heart disease is surgery, balloon valvuloplasty is an alternative to valve replacement in patients with critical stenoses. This technique enlarges…
Automated External Defibrillation
Automated External Defibrillation Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are commonly used to meet the need for early defibrillation, which is currently considered the most effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation (VF) and…
