CNA Certification (Written Exam)Resident Rights and Legal/EthicalHard
A confused resident who is a fall risk keeps trying to climb out of bed. Without a physician's order, a nurse aide raises all four bed side rails to prevent the resident from getting up. This action is best described as:
- AAppropriate safety precaution within the aide's judgment
- BAn acceptable use of restraints because the resident is confused
- CA restraint requiring a physician's order and could constitute false imprisonment
- DA form of neglect since the resident wants to get up
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A restraint requiring a physician's order and could constitute false imprisonment
Using all four side rails to prevent a resident from leaving bed functions as a physical restraint. Restraints require a physician's order and must be the least restrictive option; applying them without authorization can be considered false imprisonment and a violation of resident rights.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Restraints, even well-intentioned, cannot be applied based solely on aide judgment.
- B. Confusion alone does not justify restraint use without a proper order and assessment.
- D. This is not neglect since the aide is acting, though inappropriately, not withholding care.
Restraints and Resident Rights
Physical restraints, including full side rails used to confine, require a physician's order and must be the least restrictive option; unauthorized use can constitute false imprisonment.
- Residents have the right to be free from unnecessary restraints
- All four raised side rails can legally count as a restraint
- Restraint orders must be reviewed regularly and justified
Memory trick: 'Rails without orders = restrained without rights.'