When operating a manual bed, what should a nurse aide remember to do?

When operating a manual bed, the focus should be on ensuring safety and accessibility for both the patient and the healthcare personnel. Folding the cranks under the bed is a prudent action because it minimizes the risk of tripping hazards and provides a cleaner, more organized appearance to the bedside area. This approach enhances patient safety by keeping all potential obstacles out of the way, which is especially important in environments where mobility may be limited, such as in a hospital or nursing home setting.

Keeping bed cranks exposed can lead to unnecessary accidents, and leaving them on the floor presents a clear tripping hazard. While using the cranks only when needed addresses functionality, it does not mitigate the risk of having them left exposed or on the floor. Therefore, folding the cranks under the bed is the best practice for maintaining a safe and functional environment in patient care.