Final answer:
To prevent falls, nurse aides should lower the resident's bed to the lowest level after care, ensure proper clothing fit, and not rely on side rails as restraints.
Step-by-step explanation:
To help prevent resident falls, the nurse should ensure the resident's bed is at the lowest level when care is finished. This reduces the distance to the floor if a fall were to occur, thereby reducing the risk of serious injury. It is imperative not to always raise side rails, as this could be considered a restraint and could cause injury if the resident attempts to climb over them.
Encouraging residents to wear larger-sized, loose-fitting clothing could lead to a tripping hazard; therefore, it's best to ensure clothing is properly fitted. Lastly, reminding residents to use their call lights and wait patiently for staff does not address the immediate concern of fall prevention. This reduces the risk of residents falling out of bed or injuring themselves if they try to get out of bed unassisted. It also makes it easier for the nurse aide to provide care and assistance to the residents.