Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam

What situation requires a linen change?

1. When the patient requests it

2. Wet linen

3. At the end of each shift

4. Only when the bed is soiled

The correct answer is: Wet linen

A linen change is necessary in situations where the linen is wet. Wet linen can lead to discomfort for the patient, potential skin issues, and an increased risk of infection. Keeping the patient’s environment clean and comfortable is a fundamental part of patient care, and changing wet linen is a critical step in maintaining hygiene and ensuring the well-being of the patient. While patients may request a linen change, their comfort is often secondary to hygiene protocols that dictate changes based on specific conditions. Changing linens at the end of each shift may be a routine procedure in some facilities, but it does not address immediate needs, such as when the linen is wet or soiled. Additionally, only changing linen when the bed is noticeably soiled could result in prolonged exposure to unsanitary conditions, which is detrimental to patient health. Thus, the necessity for a linen change when it is wet stands out as the most urgent action required in maintaining proper patient care.