Why is it important to handle linens properly during a change?

Handling linens properly during a change is primarily important to avoid contamination. In healthcare settings, linens can easily become contaminated with pathogens, body fluids, or other harmful substances that may pose a risk to residents' health. Proper handling techniques, such as not shaking out dirty linens and ensuring that clean linens are stored separately from used ones, help to minimize the risk of spreading infections.

While ensuring linens fit the bed correctly, impressing residents, and maintaining a clean appearance are also relevant considerations, they do not address the potential health risks associated with improper linen handling. The principal concern is always the safety and well-being of the residents, making contamination control the top priority when managing linens.