What should a nurse do to best ensure the safety of a dependent, confused patient when given a bedpan?

Raising the side rails on the bed before leaving the room is essential for ensuring the safety of a dependent, confused patient when using a bedpan. This action serves as a protective measure to prevent the patient from falling out of bed while they are in a vulnerable state. Confused patients may have difficulty understanding their surroundings or may attempt to get out of bed on their own, increasing the risk of injury. Side rails provide a physical barrier that helps keep the patient secure in bed, allowing them to remain safe until the healthcare provider returns to assist them.

While other actions, such as responding promptly to the call light or frequently checking on the patient, are certainly important in promoting patient safety and comfort, they do not provide the immediate physical protection that raising the side rails does. Sliding a hand under the patient's sacrum could potentially lead to accidental injury, and frequent checks might not adequately address the immediate risk of falling. Thus, ensuring that the side rails are raised is a proactive step in safeguarding the patient's well-being during a sensitive procedure like using a bedpan.