Editing Infection Control and Safety (section)

=== Interventions ===

Keep the bed in the '''lowest position with wheels locked'''. Place the call light, phone, water, tissues, and glasses '''within reach''' and confirm the patient can demonstrate use of the call light. Provide nonskid footwear. Ensure adequate lighting including a night light and a clear path to the bathroom. Use hourly or purposeful rounding addressing the four Ps: pain, position, personal needs (toileting), and placement of belongings. Offer scheduled toileting rather than waiting for a request. Assist with the first ambulation after surgery, sedation, or prolonged bed rest, and check orthostatic blood pressures. Use a gait belt and appropriate assistive devices. Consider a bed or chair exit alarm, a low bed with floor mats, video monitoring, or placement near the nurses' station. Communicate risk with the facility's visual cue system and in handoff.

'''Side rails.''' Two upper side rails are generally used as a mobility aid and a reminder. '''Raising all four side rails, or any configuration that prevents the patient from leaving the bed voluntarily, is a restraint''' and carries the risk of entrapment and of a more injurious fall over the rail. Assess for entrapment risk in patients who are confused or small in stature.