Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

What should be done with soiled bed linens?

1. They should be shaken out to be sure none of the residents' personal belongings are put in the wash.

2. They should be rolled up with the dirty side in.

3. They should be rolled up with the clean side in.

4. They should be left in a pile outside the resident's door for housekeeping to pick up.

The correct answer is: They should be rolled up with the dirty side in.

Soiled bed linens should be rolled up with the dirty side in to prevent the spread of contaminants and maintain a clean environment. By rolling the linens this way, any potential pathogens or pathogens present on the soiled side are contained within the roll, minimizing the risk of exposure to yourself, other staff, and residents. Managing soiled linens properly is an important aspect of infection control in healthcare settings. It helps to ensure cleanliness and hygiene, which is crucial for resident safety. In addition, handling linens in this manner reduces the likelihood of cross-contamination, which can happen if the soiled items brush against other surfaces or are left exposed. The other options suggest behaviors that could compromise hygiene and safety. Shaking out the linens may spread contaminants through the air and onto surfaces. Rolling linens with the clean side in does not effectively contain the soiled parts, which is not ideal for cleanliness. Leaving soiled linens outside a resident's door poses a risk of cross-contamination and may create an unpleasant environment as well as an infection control issue since it exposes items to the wider area. Hence, the most appropriate practice is to roll the soiled linens with the dirty side in.