Using a Bed Monitoring Device

Using a Bed Monitoring Device

Equipment:
■ Bed or chair exit monitoring device (types: pressure sensitive, posture indicator, motion sensor, and pull-cord alarms). Assessment
■ Identify factors that increase risk for more severe injury in the case of a fall (e.g., anticoagulants, osteoporosis).
■ Check the alarm on the monitor to ensure that it is working properly.
■ Assess for factors that increase fall risk.
■ Intrinsic Factors, Examples:
• Age > 75.
• History of falls.
• Incontinence.
• Cognitive impairment.
• Dizziness.
• Medications.
• Medical problems (e.g., dementia, arthritis, depression).
■ Extrinsic (Environmental) Factors, Examples:
• Equipment.
• Wet/uneven floors.
• Footwear.
• Poor lighting.
• Clothing.
• Lack of grab rails.
• Furniture/adaptive aids in disrepair (e.g., bed rails)

Post-Procedure Reassessment:
■ Monitor fall risk per agency policy and as indicated by the patient’s physical and mental status.
■ If a fall occurs, perform a post-fall assessment to identify possible causes, and monitor more closely for 48 hours.

Key Points:
■ Select the correct type of alarm for your patient.
■ Explain to patient and family that a monitoring device alerts the staff when the patient tries to get out of the chair or bed.
■ Apply/place the device; connect the control unit to the sensor pad.
■ Connect the control unit to the nurse call system, if possible.
■ Explain that the patient will need to call for help when he wants to get up.
■ Place the patient on fall risk precautions according to agency policy.
■ Assess the sensitivity of the monitoring device, and adjust as needed to ensure that the alarm is activated if the patient tries to get out of the bed or chair.
■ Disconnect or turn off the alarm before assisting the patient out of the bed or chair.
■ Reactivate the alarm after helping the patient back to the bed or chair.
■ Be Safe! Bed alarms alone do not prevent falls; they are used to improve the timeliness of staff response. Patients who are at risk for falls require increased observation and surveillance.

Documentation:
■ Document on the fall risk assessment sheet, restraint flowsheet, and nursing notes according to agency policy.
■ Document the initial sensor placement, including type of sensor used and location of placement.
■ Follow agency policy for ongoing documentation of the use of a bed exit monitor.
■ Usually, the minimum documentation is every 8 hours.

Chair monitor

Leg sensor