Final answer:
b) Explain the purpose of the side rails
When a client objects to side rails, a nurse should first explain their purpose and ensure the client's understanding. If the objection persists, the nurse should respect the client's wishes after a risk assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a client objects to side rails, the first thing a nurse should do is b) Explain the purpose of the side rails. It's important to communicate and provide education about the safety reasons behind using side rails. However, if the client still objects after a thorough explanation, it's essential to respect their wishes and preferences after ensuring their understanding and considering the risks involved.