The patient is an elderly gentleman who is admitted for a medical problem.While doing his admission assessment,the nurse learns that the patient gets up 2 to 3 times a night to use the restroom.The institution has only beds with four side rails.Which of the following is the appropriate rationale for leaving one of the lower side rails down?
A)Falls rarely happen in the inpatient setting.
B)Having all side rails raised increases the occurrence of falling.
C)Side rails have no bearing on whether or not a patient falls.
D)Patient falls rarely result in physical injury.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Having all four side rails raised often increases the occurrence of falling,because patients try to climb over the rails to reach a chair or bathroom and often fall farther as a result.Leaving three side rails up (two upper and one lower)on a bed with four side rails is safer for the patient.Leaving the lower side rail down on the side of the bed the patient will exit the bed from to access the bathroom reduces the risk of falls.

The Patient Is an Elderly Gentleman Who Is Admitted for a Medical