Answer :
Final answer:
The use of side rails on a bed should follow the individual care plan, and is often necessary for safety, such as during the night or when making an occupied bed, particularly in a healthcare setting. Infants should specifically be placed on their backs to sleep to prevent SIDS, and side rails should be omitted if they pose suffocation risks.
Explanation:
The use of side rails on a bed in a healthcare setting should always follow the care plan for the individual. If it is stated in the care plan, side rails should be raised accordingly. When it comes to infants, recommendations are more stringent to prevent risks associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). For instance, cribs should not have items like blankets, pillows, or padded crib bumpers that might pose suffocation threats. Furthermore, infants should be placed on their backs for sleep, and breastfeeding has been shown to reduce SIDS risks. Cosleeping with infants requires caution; certified-safe cosleeping bed attachments are recommended if a parent is not comfortable sharing a bed with the infant.
In the specific context of making an occupied bed within a hospital or care home, side rails should generally be raised on both sides to ensure the safety of the patient, following the guidelines of the facility and the specific needs and risk assessments for the individual patient. It is also common for side rails to be raised at night to prevent the patient from falling out of bed. However, it is important to note that the use of side rails must always be tailored to the individual based on their care plan or risk assessments done by healthcare professionals.
