RE: 1/2 SIRE RAILS

[Connie L. Frank]

Personally,  I would code a � side rail as a restraint, if it’s presence is perceived by the individual as a limitation, wall, or restricted area, and deters the person from attempting to get up or causes the resident to crawl down in the bed or up over the rail in attempt to get out of bed or would otherwise have had the ability to get up independently and with the presence of the � rail is now unable. In the early days, it was a given that � side rails were used “just because”. After initiation of more careful assessment and need for justification before use, these issues were assessed in more detail. We (at my places of employment) have always considered it a fine line when using � side rails for cognitively impaired residents. Because it can affect perception, awareness, stimulation to get up, etc, It needs to be looked at individually for each person. If I had someone who doesn’t spontaneously try to get up due to apraxia, amotivation or physical limitations and requires cues or assistance to do so, I wouldn’t use a � side rail. If I had someone who can’t maneuver themselves to get up independently, and is able to do so independently with the addition of a � side rail (and has steady gait and is not a fall risk, etc.), I would use it to promote independent repositioning and not code it as a restraint. It depends on the assessment of the individual’s ability and response. These opinions are consistent with the interpretation and the long term health care centers in which I am employed.   -----Original Message----- From: JenVo [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, February 13, 2004 10:15 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: 1/2 SIRE RAILS   Okay in what instance would you code a 1/2 rail as a restraint? Can anyone give me a scenario to relate to ? I would appreciate it. Jenvo in Missouri Gloria Benton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: if the resident is unable to move about freely including getting out of bed and the resident is not prevented from touching and using any body parts then it is not a restraint, if the 1/2 siderail is use to assist the resident in any function then it is not a restraint, if the resident requests it for safety, security what ever its not, also safety measures cannot be used as a reason for restraints its has to be medically necessary i.e. to prevent resident from pulling out invasive tubings gloria RN MN RAC_C