The patient is drowsy but arouses easily. Which nursing action addresses safety?

• A. Pad and elevate the side rails.
• B. Restrain the patient.
• C. Place the patient in Trendelenburg.
• D. Assign a private room.

Answer: (A)

Safety for a drowsy but arousable patient centers on preventing falls and injury as they move or shift in bed. Padding and elevating the side rails creates a protective barrier that reduces the chance of a patient rolling off the bed or hitting the rails, while also cushioning against contact if the patient moves suddenly. This approach supports containment just enough to keep them safe without overly restricting movement or using invasive measures.

Restraints are not the right default choice because they restrict freedom and come with significant risks and ethical concerns; they require a physician’s order and careful monitoring. Trendelenburg positioning would not improve safety and can compromise breathing and circulation. Simply assigning a private room doesn’t address the immediate risk of falling or wandering within the bed or toward the edge.