When making the bed of a client who needs a bed cradle, how should the linens be arranged?

• A. Drape the top sheet and covers loosely over the bed cradle
• B. Tuck the top sheet tightly around the bed cradle
• C. Remove all covers to avoid interference
• D. Place the bed cradle under the patient and secure with tight linens

Answer: (A)

A bed cradle keeps linens off the skin to protect and soothe it while allowing air to circulate. To use it properly, position the cradle so its bars rise above the mattress and extend over the patient, then drape the top sheet and blankets loosely over the cradle. This keeps the fabric away from contact with the skin and lets the patient move more comfortably without feeling trapped by tucked linens. Tucking tightly around the cradle can pull and press on the patient, removing all covers leaves the patient cold and uncomfortable, and placing the cradle under the patient with tight linens defeats the purpose by forcing fabric against the skin. So the best practice is to drape the sheets loosely over the bed cradle.