Types of bed rails:
(1) full length
(2) three quarter length
(3) half length
(4) quarter length
(5) full length, with split side (two half lengths)
Ways that a patient can be injured:
(1) trapped between proximal rail end and the head board
(2) trapped between split side rails
(3) trapped between the rail and the mattress
(4) trapped under the edge of the distal rail end
(5) trapped between the interval bars in the side rails
(6) climbing over the top
Injuries may include:
(1) fall injury
(2) strangulation
(3) suffocation
Patients at risk:
(1) confused or demented
(2) agitation or restlessness
(3) major psychiatric illness
(4) trying to reach the bathroom (often after trying to ring for assistance)
Actions to consider:
(1) bed rail covers
(2) minimizing the gap between the rails and the mattress side (proper size mattress for frame, foam pads)
(3) in split rail beds, lower the distal section
(4) close the gap between the proximal end of the rail and the headboard
(5) in split rail beds, close the gap between the side rails
(6) fix broken or damaged latches
