In what scenario might bed rails be considered necessary?

Bed rails are primarily used as a safety measure to prevent patients from falling out of bed. Therefore, they are considered necessary specifically for patients who are at risk for falling. This includes individuals who might be unsteady, have a history of falls, or have conditions that impair their ability to safely navigate their environment.

Using bed rails for all patients or in every hospital room can pose unnecessary risks. For example, not all patients require the added safety of bed rails; some patients may be able to mobilize safely without them. Similarly, using bed rails indiscriminately can create hazards, such as entrapment, especially for patients who may try to climb over or become confused. Thus, the best scenario for their use involves assessing each individual patient's needs, particularly focusing on those assessed as at risk for falls.