An older adult who is on bed rest after surgery is prescribed morphine for pain. Which of the following is the nurse's priority for preventive care?

A. Four-length rails.

Explanation: Four-length rails fully enclose the bed and can be considered a more restrictive measure. They may be used when a restraint order is in place, but for an alert patient without such an order, less restrictive alternatives are preferred.

B. One-length rail.

Explanation: Using one-length rails can be a less restrictive alternative when a patient is at high risk for falling. The use of one side rail allows for some protection against falls without fully restraining the patient. This approach helps maintain the patient's mobility and autonomy while still providing a safety measure.

C. Two full-length rails.

Explanation: While using two full-length rails is less restrictive than four-length rails, it is still more restrictive than using only one side rail. The goal is to balance fall prevention with the patient's autonomy.

D. No side rails.

Explanation: Using no side rails may not provide adequate protection for an alert patient at high risk for falling. While avoiding restraints is essential, implementing at least one side rail is a reasonable compromise to enhance safety without fully restricting the patient's movement.

A. To improve the quality of care

Explanation: The OASIS assessment is designed to gather information about a patient's health status, functional abilities, and service needs. This information is crucial for developing individualized care plans and providing high-quality care.

B. To evaluate the level of client disability

Explanation: OASIS includes items that assess various aspects of a patient's health, including their functional abilities and disabilities. This evaluation helps healthcare providers understand the client's level of disability and tailor care accordingly.

C. To improve communication about the individual

Explanation: OASIS serves as a standardized tool for collecting and communicating essential information about a patient's health and care needs. This promotes effective communication among healthcare providers, ensuring that everyone involved in the patient's care has access to relevant and consistent information.

D. To serve as a guide for reimbursement

Explanation: OASIS is used in the home health care setting to guide reimbursement. The data collected through OASIS is used to determine the patient's case-mix classification, which, in turn, influences the reimbursement rates for home health services.