If a patient on fall precautions is confused and trying to get out of bed, what should the PCT do?

Notifying the charge nurse is the appropriate action when a patient on fall precautions is confused and attempting to get out of bed. This is crucial for several reasons. First, the charge nurse can assess the situation and determine the best course of action to ensure the safety of the patient. This may involve additional staff support, ensuring the patient’s immediate environment is safe, or implementing interventions to address the patient’s confusion.

In situations involving confusion, it's essential to have a higher level of oversight, as the patient's behavior may pose a risk of falling or injuring themselves. The charge nurse can also engage other healthcare team members as needed, ensuring that the patient receives appropriate care tailored to their condition.

While reassuring the patient or encouraging them to stay in bed may seem compassionate, these actions alone may not adequately address the potential risk of injury. Physical restraints are generally considered a last resort due to ethical concerns and the potential for harm, making it vital to involve supervisory staff to decide on appropriate interventions based on a thorough assessment of the situation.