How to Use Bed Rails With Obese Patients

Standard hospital beds might not work for patients who are considered "morbidly obese." Not only are the rails too close together, but also it is likely not safe for the patients to be in an entirely supine position. Rails can still be necessary especially for confused or medicated patients who should not be allowed to get out of bed on their own.

Things You'll Need

• Hospital Bed
• Sheets

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Check the bed's rating to verify that it can hold the weight of the patient. The bed ratings are printed on the lower rail, connected to the wheels. You can also double check the ratings online if you know the manufacturer and model number of the bed.

• 2

  Verify that the rails do not have a separate weight rating. Some models have a different rating for the rails and the bed. If you are going to be leaning the patient against the rails, you need to be sure the rails can withstand the weight. This rating is printed on the underside of the side rail or online as well.

• 3

  Place a sheet the length-wise across the width of the bed as the patient waits in a chair or another bed. The rails should be down for easy transfer. After you transfer the patient to the bed, the sides of the sheet will be hanging out past the patient so you can wrap them around the patient.

• 4

  Swaddle the patient with the sheet. This helps to hold the patient in and creates smooth lines for the rails. It also prevents pinching and bruising if the patient is wider than the bed.

• 5

  Pull the rails into place ensuring that the rails lock. You might require a second person to hold the sheet in place depending on how large the patient is. You cannot let the girth of the patient impede the bed rails. If you cannot get the rails up, you should get another person to help you transport the bed. One person will stand on either side of the bed as it is moved in order to ensure the safety of the patient.