CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyHard
A nurse aide notices that a resident with a history of falls has been assigned a bed alarm as part of the care plan. What is the PRIMARY purpose of this device?
- ATo alert staff when the resident attempts to get up unsupervised
- BTo monitor the resident's vital signs continuously
- CTo restrain the resident's movement during the night
- DTo physically prevent the resident from getting out of bed
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. To alert staff when the resident attempts to get up unsupervised
A bed alarm is designed to alert staff when a resident who is at risk for falls attempts to get up without assistance, allowing timely intervention. It does not physically restrain the resident and is not a monitoring device for vital signs.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect; bed alarms do not monitor vital signs; they detect movement or weight shifts.
- C. Incorrect; bed alarms are not restraints and should not be used as such.
- D. Incorrect; a bed alarm does not physically stop movement, it only alerts staff.
Bed Alarm Purpose
A bed alarm alerts staff when an at-risk resident attempts to get out of bed unsupervised, enabling timely intervention to prevent falls.
- Not a physical restraint
- Detects movement or weight shift
- Allows staff to respond before a fall occurs
Memory trick: The alarm doesn't hold them down, it just rings the alarm sound.