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Zone 7 — Between the Head or Foot Board and the End of the
Mattress
This is the space between the inside surface of the head board or foot board
and the end of the mattress. This space may present a risk of head entrapment
when taking into account the mattress compressibility, any shift of the mattress,
and degree of play from loosened head or foot boards. FDA recognizes this area
as a potential for entrapment and encourages facilities and manufacturers to
report entrapment events at this zone.
Patient Safety
Patients who have problems with memory, sleeping, incontinence, pain,
uncontrolled body movement, or who get out of bed and walk unsafely without
assistance, must be carefully assessed for the best ways to keep them from
harm, such as falling. Assessment by the patient's health care team will help
to determine how best to keep the patient safe. Historically, physical restraints
(such as vests, ankle or wrist restraints) were used to try to keep patients safe in
health care facilities. In recent years, the health care community has recognized
that physically restraining patients can be dangerous. Although not indicated for
this use, bed rails are sometimes used as restraints. Regulatory agencies, health
care organizations, product manufacturers and advocacy groups encourage
hospitals, nursing homes and home care providers to assess patients' needs
and to provide safe care without restraints.
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User Manual & Entrapment Guide
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