HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

Which bed position is preferred for a client on falls risk prevention protocol in an extended care facility?

1. All 4 side rails up, wheels locked, bed closest to door

2. Lower side rails up, bed facing doorway

3. Knees bent, head slightly elevated, bed in lowest position

4. Bed in lowest position, wheels locked, place bed against wall

The correct answer is: Bed in lowest position, wheels locked, place bed against wall

The preferred bed position for a client on a falls risk prevention protocol in an extended care facility is one where the bed is in the lowest position, the wheels are locked, and the bed is placed against the wall. This setup minimizes the risk of falls by reducing the distance a patient may fall if they do attempt to get out of bed. By lowering the bed, the risk of injury from falling is significantly decreased, as the height is reduced. Locking the wheels helps ensure that the bed remains stable and does not move unexpectedly. Positioning the bed against a wall further limits the potential for falling in that direction and provides additional support for the patient. In contrast, having all four side rails up does not necessarily prevent falls and may even contribute to other hazards, such as entrapment. Alternatively, lower side rails facing the doorway may still leave the patient vulnerable to a fall, as the bed height and placement could encourage attempts to get up without adequate safety measures in place. Lastly, a position that does not maximize safety and support, such as having the head slightly elevated with knees bent, does not address the fundamental goal of minimizing fall risks effectively.