Arkansas Long Term Care Administrator Practice Exam

What must be provided for the safety of residents on beds?

1. Top sheets

2. Bed rails

3. Extra blankets

4. Comforters

The correct answer is: Bed rails

The requirement for bed rails to ensure the safety of residents is based on preventing falls and providing support for individuals who may need assistance getting in and out of bed. Bed rails serve as a physical barrier that helps to minimize the risk of residents rolling out of bed, which can lead to serious injury, particularly for those with mobility issues, cognitive impairments, or other health concerns that affect their balance and coordination. In long-term care settings, safety is a paramount concern, and bed rails can help create a safer sleeping environment by enabling residents to have greater independence when getting in and out of bed while also providing a sense of security. In contrast, options such as top sheets, extra blankets, and comforters, while contributing to comfort and warmth, do not specifically address safety concerns regarding falls or accidental injuries associated with getting in and out of bed. They are important for patient comfort but do not play a direct role in enhancing safety in the same way that bed rails do.