How to drape a patient

 

Patients should be draped whenever you are examining a patient. You want to maintain the patient's modesty.

 

Inform the patient what you are going to do

Begin by grasping the sheet and slightly lifting it.

 

grasp sheet
lift gown and sheet

 

Gently lift the gown and the sheet and part them to expose the anatomy to be examined.

 

 

Pull the sheet down only enough to expose the area you are examining. Fold the sheet down out of the way and tuck the excess gown up.

Be aware of your patient's modesty. For example, if you are examining the left leg, keep the right leg covered.

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limit exposure

 

Last updated on March 13, 2003