The client is hypotensive, so the bed must remain flat. Which does the nurse use to change the client's bed linens?

Question

1. Ask client to raise the lower body; replace the soiled linen.
2. Keep the top sheets over the client and slowly roll to each side.
3. Assist the client to a bedside chair and change the linen quickly.
4. Fan-fold the top linen to bottom of bed; replace with clean linen.

Answer 1

2
2. The client's blood pressure is low enough to warrant supine positioning, so raising the client's head is contraindicated because it can aggravate the hypotension by im-peding venous return. The nurse makes the bed by using the occupied bed technique. To maintain client comfort and privacy, the nurse keeps the client covered while rolling from side to side slowly to prevent dizziness while exchanging the soiled and clean linens.
1. An unstable client is kept in the supine position to prevent cardiopulmonary failure.
3. Transferring to the chair is contraindicated because sitting elevates the client's head to an unacceptable level and is very likely to aggravate the hypotension.
4. Top sheets and blankets are replaced by covering the old sheets with the fresh li-nens and, while securing the fresh linens, pulling the old sheets out. In addition, this does not help the nurse to replace the bottom linens.