What should the nurse instruct the NAP to do before making an unoccupied bed if the mattress is soiled?

Instructing the NAP to wipe off moisture with an antiseptic solution and then dry the mattress thoroughly is crucial for maintaining a safe and hygienic environment. This action ensures that any contaminants or bacteria present on the soiled area are effectively eliminated, minimizing the risk of infection or disease transmission. It is essential to allow the mattress to dry completely to prevent mold and mildew growth, which can develop in damp conditions.

While cleaning with hot water, flipping the mattress, or applying a waterproof pad might seem like reasonable efforts to address the soiled mattress, they do not directly treat or sanitize the soiled area in an appropriate manner. Hot water alone may not effectively eliminate pathogens, and merely flipping the mattress may not address the contamination issue. Applying a waterproof pad could temporarily cover the problem but does not provide a thorough cleaning or eliminate the risk of health hazards associated with a soiled mattress. Therefore, the best practice involves using antiseptic solutions to cleanse and dry the mattress properly.