Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam

When transferring a person from a stretcher to the bed, which type of bed should you prepare?

1. Standard hospital bed

2. Surgical bed

3. Adjustable bed

4. Reclining bed

The correct answer is: Surgical bed

Preparing a surgical bed for transferring a person from a stretcher to a bed is appropriate because surgical beds are specifically designed to facilitate patient mobility and positioning, especially during transfers. This type of bed usually has adjustable features that make it easier to align with a stretcher, allowing for a safer transfer by minimizing the risk of injury to both the patient and the healthcare provider. The design of a surgical bed often includes components such as similar height adjustments and the capability to make the bed flat or more accessible for the patient, which is crucial during transfers. This not only helps ensure patient safety and comfort but also promotes effective teamwork among healthcare providers involved in the transfer process. Other types of beds mentioned might not provide the same level of adjustability or accessibility needed for safe transfers. For instance, a standard hospital bed may not have the necessary features to align correctly with a stretcher, and an adjustable bed's function can vary but may not be optimized for immediate surgical needs. A reclining bed generally serves specific patient comfort needs rather than facilitating transfers, potentially complicating the process instead.