What defines an occupied bed?

An occupied bed is defined as one that has a person in it. This means that the bed is currently being used by a patient or resident, and it requires specific considerations in terms of care and hygiene. For instance, when making an occupied bed, the nursing assistant must take special precautions to ensure the comfort and safety of the individual occupying the bed, such as avoiding unnecessary movement or disturbances.

In contrast, the other choices represent different states of a bed's usage. A bed not in use would be considered unoccupied and does not involve any patient care or attention. An open bed may signify that it is ready for use, perhaps after cleaning or when a patient is about to be admitted, but it does not indicate that someone is currently using it. A bed that was recently cleaned does not address whether it is occupied or unoccupied, as it focuses on the state of cleanliness rather than its current use. Thus, the definition of an occupied bed is specifically tied to the presence of a person in it.