International Nurses Association

Some really simple things can make a patient's hospital stay tolerable. Little things can make a patient more comfortable. For example, tall patients can be uncomfortable in beds; however, most hospital beds can be extended. It's at least worth checking.  If your patient will be in bed for any appreciable amount of time, they will be more comfortable if lying not just on the mattress, but also on a bed pad designed to improve her blood circulation.  The new approach is an inflatable bed pad that automatically adjusts itself under the patient to avoid sustained pressure in one spot or another. Bed sores can be an issue, but even if they’re not a concern for your patient, a pad will make a hospital bed much more comfortable. To protect patients, mattresses and pillows are encased in plastic.  Hospital beds are covered to preserve them, which can make for a very uncomfortable sweaty patient.  When changing linens, add a cotton blanket under the patient. Related:  Pat