Bed lever Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is a bed lever?
A bed lever consists of a base unit that slides between the mattress and base of a bed and a handle or loop which protrudes up the side of the bed. It is attached to the base of the bed with two straps.
Why do bed levers help?
The bed lever acts as a grab rail and provides a secure item for the individual to hold on to when transferring on and off or moving in the bed.
Give three examples of when you (or a client) may use a bed lever?
- sit to stand from the edge of the bed
- rolling on the bed
- lying to sitting in the bed
How might a bed lever benefit someone with Parkinson’s disease?
They may use it to roll on the bed as they do not have the trunk mobility to roll without using upper limbs
How might a bed lever benefit someone with reduced abdominal strength?
A person with reduced abdominal strength may require use of their upper limbs to pull themselves into a sitting position on the bed.
What about the bed do you need to consider before issuing a bed lever?
Whether it is divan, slatted or hospital bed
what is a heavy duty bed rail?
An alternative bed lever used to support the upper weight limit
What is different about a bed lever for a hospital bed?
It clamps to the frame so it can move freely with the bed as it rises
what is different about a Parnell bed rail?
it is designed to fit electrically adjustable beds that have been purchased privately
What is different about a bed rail 2 in 1?
The base can attached to fit either a divan bed or a slatted bed, depending on need.
What is the first step of fitting a bed lever?
Ensure you have component parts
What is the second step of fitting a bed lever?
fix the lever to the base and secure with clips
What is the third step of fitting a bed lever?
Place the smaller straps to the outer edge and loop through
What is the fourth step of fitting a bed lever?
Fix the longer straps to the opposite end of the bed lever (two u shape side) and gather the straps together
What is the fifth step of fitting a bed lever?
Place the bed lever side with long straps under the bed, in alignment with the clients shoulder
What is the sixth step of fitting a bed lever?
On the opposite side of the bed, lift the mattress and pull the straps through
what is the seventh step of fitting a bed lever?
Pull the straps underneath the base of the bed
what is the eighth step of fitting a bed lever?
fasten the clips and tighten to secure, gather the loose ends and tuck them away
What is the ninth step of fitting a bed lever?
Encourage the client to reach for the bed lever to aid with sitting and standing and when positioning themselves in bed
Give three examples of poor practice when fitting a bed lever?
- incorrect option chosen for the bed
- fitted without straps
- risk of entrapment
At what distance should a bed lever be placed to reduce risk of entrapment?
less than 6 cm (2.3in) from the top of the bed
or
more than 31.8cm (12.5in) from top of the bed
What happens if bed lever is positioned too high?
If the bed lever is too high up the bed, the person may have to strain to reach it and this could cause damage to their shoulder.
What happens if bed lever is positioned too low?
If the bed lever is too far down the bed it will impede the ability of the client to position themselves appropriately on the bed.
Why would you not issue a bed lever to someone with weakened upper limbs?
they could be further damaged through pulling on a bed lever for example a rotator cuff injury.
