Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of physically restraining a resident?

1. Asking the resident to stay in his bed

2. Telling the resident's roommate to press the call button if the resident gets up

3. Leaving the resident's door ajar

4. Putting both side rails up on the bed

The correct answer is: Putting both side rails up on the bed

Putting both side rails up on the bed is considered a form of physical restraint because it restricts a resident's ability to move freely and can prevent them from getting out of bed. Physical restraints are defined as any method that limits a person's movement or access to their own body and can include devices or equipment designed to restrict mobility. In this case, raising the side rails creates a barrier, thus physically confining the resident within the bed. In contrast, simply asking a resident to stay in bed does not physically restrict them; it merely communicates a request. Telling a roommate to press the call button if the resident gets up allows for a measure of safety without restricting movement. Leaving the door ajar does not prevent access or movement and therefore does not constitute restraint. Understanding these distinctions is essential for maintaining the rights and autonomy of residents while ensuring their safety.