PATIENT CARE UNIT PRESENTED BY MS. ANEETA SHARMA NURSING LECTURER (CHILD HEALTH NURSING)
INTRODUCTION The hospital environment plays a vital role in the recovery and comfort of the patient. A clean, safe, comfortable, and therapeutic environment promotes healing and prevents infection. Nurses are responsible for maintaining such an environment in the patient’s unit . MS. ANEETA SHARMA NURSING LECTURER (CHILD HEALTH NURSING)
DEFINITION A patient’s unit is the area or space that is allotted to one patient in the ward where necessary articles, furniture, and equipment are arranged for his/her care. It is the center of nursing activity in a hospital. MS. ANEETA SHARMA NURSING LECTURER (CHILD HEALTH NURSING)
OBJECTIVES OF A PATIENT’S UNIT To provide a comfortable and safe environment for the patient. To meet the physical, psychological, and social needs of the patient. To promote quick recovery and rest. To allow easy access and movement for nursing staff. To maintain privacy and dignity of the patient. To help in infection control through cleanliness and ventilation. MS. ANEETA SHARMA NURSING LECTURER (CHILD HEALTH NURSING)
LOCATION AND LAYOUT Should be well ventilated , well lighted , and quiet . Should have sufficient space between beds for movement and privacy. Each unit should be easily accessible to the nursing station , bathroom , and utility room . MS. ANEETA SHARMA NURSING LECTURER (CHILD HEALTH NURSING)
COMPONENTS OF A PATIENT’S UNIT 1. Patient’s Bed The bed is the most important part of the unit. Should be comfortable, adjustable, and easy to clean . Common types: Plain bed Fowler’s bed Cardiac bed Orthopedic bed Divided (Gatch) bed MS. ANEETA SHARMA NURSING LECTURER (CHILD HEALTH NURSING)
2. Bedside Table Placed beside the bed on the right or left side. Used to keep water, medicines, bell, and personal belongings . Should be clean and organized. 3. Overbed Table Used for serving meals, writing, or procedures . Should be adjustable and movable. MS. ANEETA SHARMA NURSING LECTURER (CHILD HEALTH NURSING)
4. Bedside Locker Used to store the patient’s personal items and hospital articles . Should have shelves and a drawer. 5. Chair or Stool For patient’s use or visitors. Should be clean and stable. MS. ANEETA SHARMA NURSING LECTURER (CHILD HEALTH NURSING)
6. Footstool Helps the patient get in or out of bed safely. 7. Screen Used to maintain privacy during nursing procedures. Made of metal or wood frame covered with cloth. MS. ANEETA SHARMA NURSING LECTURER (CHILD HEALTH NURSING)
8. Linen Includes: Bed sheet Draw sheet Pillow and pillow cover Blanket Bedspread All linen should be clean, dry, and wrinkle-free . MS. ANEETA SHARMA NURSING LECTURER (CHILD HEALTH NURSING)
9. Lighting Should be adequate but not glaring . Natural light is preferable; night lamps should be available for use. 10. Ventilation Fresh air and proper ventilation prevent the spread of infection and provide comfort. 11. Flooring Should be smooth, non-slippery, and easy to clean . MS. ANEETA SHARMA NURSING LECTURER (CHILD HEALTH NURSING)
12. Handwashing Facilities Handwashing sink with soap and towel should be available near each unit or ward section. 13. Call Bell System Allows the patient to call the nurse when in need. 14. Waste Disposal Units Separate bins for infectious and non-infectious waste. Color-coded according to Biomedical Waste Management Rules. MS. ANEETA SHARMA NURSING LECTURER (CHILD HEALTH NURSING)
NURSE’S ROLE IN MAINTAINING PATIENT’S UNIT Keep the unit clean, tidy, and well arranged. Ensure adequate supplies of linen and equipment. Maintain privacy and comfort of the patient. Follow infection control practices (handwashing, disinfection). Observe and maintain safety measures (bed brakes, side rails). Check ventilation and lighting regularly. Handle articles carefully and replace them after use. Maintain patient’s dignity and respect. MS. ANEETA SHARMA NURSING LECTURER (CHILD HEALTH NURSING)
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE PATIENT Temperature – should be comfortable (22–26°C). Humidity – 40–60% preferred. Light – adequate and soothing. Noise – should be minimized. Ventilation – ensures fresh air circulation. Cleanliness – prevents infection. Safety – avoid hazards, ensure side rails, and call bell accessibility. MS. ANEETA SHARMA NURSING LECTURER (CHILD HEALTH NURSING)
MS. ANEETA SHARMA NURSING LECTURER (CHILD HEALTH NURSING)