← Back
Psychology, family and everyday life

Hospital bed: using it safely

A hospital bed with adjustable height, back and side rails gives comfort and safety. This section explains how to use it safely.

Last updated: ~1 min read
An adjustable hospital bed with side rails
Figure 1.An adjustable bed with side rails

01Short answer

Before getting up, lower the bed, sit up first, wait a few minutes and then stand; anemia and medicines can cause dizziness. Wear non-slip footwear. Keep your phone, water, glasses and call button within reach. Agree with the nurse about the side rails. When platelets are low, take care not to knock against the metal parts of the bed. The hospital usually changes the bedding; if it gets soiled, say so straight away. If you lie in bed for long, change position.

02Simple explanation

Sit before standing.

Non-slip footwear.

Essentials within reach.

Soiled bedding: tell us.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: anemia causes dizziness and tiredness; getting up carefully prevents falls.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Orthostatic drop

Blood pressure can fall if you stand quickly; get up slowly.

Skin

Changing position during long bed rest protects the skin.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Orthostatic dropBlood pressure can fall if you stand quickly; get up slowly.
SkinChanging position during long bed rest protects the skin.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Orthostatic hypotension
A drop in blood pressure on standing.
Side rail
The bed's protective barrier.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Stand slowly.
  • Within reach.
  • Call.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I go to the toilet alone at night?

If you feel dizzy, call.

The bed is uncomfortable.

The nurse can adjust it.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should I go to the toilet alone at night?

  2. The bed is uncomfortable.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. NHS. Balance exercises
  6. World Health Organization (WHO). WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour
  7. NHS. Physiotherapy
  8. National Cancer Institute. Skin and Nail Changes during Cancer Treatment
  9. National Cancer Institute. Coping – Life After Cancer Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute. Coping – Cancer Support Groups
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →