What is the first step in any bed making procedure?

Washing hands is crucial before any clinical procedure, including bed making, as it helps prevent the spread of germs and infections. Before interacting with the patient's environment or bedding, a caregiver must ensure their hands are clean. This practice aligns with standard infection control protocols, which prioritize hygiene to protect both the patient and caregiver.

Proper hand hygiene reduces the risk of transferring pathogens that can lead to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Once hands are washed, the caregiver can proceed to remove the old bedding and make the bed with fresh linen, ensuring safety and cleanliness in the patient’s space. This foundational step sets the tone for all subsequent actions in the bed making process.