Michigan Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Practice Exam

What must be included in the written order from a resident's attending physician for bed rail usage?

1. The resident’s medical history

2. The family's consent

3. Specifications for the use of bed rails

4. A list of alternative safety measures

The correct answer is: Specifications for the use of bed rails

The inclusion of specifications for the use of bed rails in the written order from a resident's attending physician is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures personalized care tailored to the resident's unique needs and circumstances. Specifications may include the height and type of bed rails, the specific positions in which they should be used, and guidelines on when to raise or lower them. This detailed order is essential for promoting resident safety while also understanding and mitigating the risks associated with bed rail usage, such as potential entrapment or injury. By having clear specifications, nursing staff can provide a safer environment while ensuring compliance with best practices and regulatory guidelines. This detailed approach also supports effective communication among care team members, fostering a collaborative effort to care for the resident appropriately. Other options have their importance in the overall care process, but they do not fulfill this specific requirement as comprehensively as specifications for bed rail use do. The resident’s medical history can provide context for their condition but does not dictate the operational details for bed rail implementation. Similarly, while obtaining family consent is often a good practice for interventions involving residents, it may not be a necessary part of the physician's written order. Lastly, discussing alternative safety measures is beneficial for comprehensive care planning but is not primarily relevant