Use of siderails: rethinking a standard of practice.

Abstract

1. Policy and/or tradition is not adequate rationale for siderail use in light of current information indicating that siderails can be a hazard. 2. If a client is going to climb out over the siderail, the siderail increases risk for client injury. In such cases siderail use cannot be justified. 3. The nurses's goal is not to eliminate siderail use, but to individualize it--to use siderails only in cases in which they increase the safety, security, and mobility of clients.