RE: QUESTION ON SIDE RAIL CODING

[Ann Schoeny]

What is the intent of the rails? The RAI manual talks about bed rails creating a visual barrier that may deter physical contact. If the resident is completely immobile, then why are the rails being used. I think you have to determine whether they are restraints or not, but just make sure you can back up your opinion. They may still be unhappy with the rails d/t creating an accident hazard. We were using low air loss mattresses and found that if full rails were not used, the resident fell out of bed, but if we used the rails, the resident could be injured in them. We ended up getting rid of 5 very expensive mattresses, because we didn/t want to use siderails.   ann m schoeny crnac sem haven nursing and rehab 225 cleveland ave. milford, ohio 45150 (513) 248-1270 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2004 7:59 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: QUESTION ON SIDE RAIL CODING In a message dated 5/5/2004 8:04:03 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Since they are full siderails on both sides I would probably code as a restraint. Then do all the restraint paperwork, and write good notes. not if the resident cannot independently transfer.