To promote safety after administering pain relief medication, which measure should NOT be used?

Keeping the bed in a high position is not a safe practice after administering pain relief medication. High bed positions increase the risk of falls, especially in patients who may be experiencing sedation or altered levels of consciousness due to the effects of pain medications. These medications can impair a patient’s balance and strength, making it safer to keep the bed in a low and secure position to prevent accidents.

In contrast, raising bed rails as directed helps to create a physical barrier that can prevent the patient from falling out of bed, thereby enhancing safety. Regularly checking on the patient every 10 to 15 minutes ensures that any signs of respiratory depression or other adverse effects from the medication are promptly identified and managed. Providing assistance when the patient needs to get up is also crucial; it ensures that the patient doesn’t attempt to stand or walk unassisted, further reducing fall risk. Therefore, maintaining a high bed position is not aligned with promoting safety in this scenario.