What safety intervention should a nurse implement for a delirious patient at risk for falls?

Using low beds as a safety intervention for a delirious patient at risk for falls is an effective measure that addresses the specific vulnerabilities of such patients. When patients are delirious, their judgment, awareness of their surroundings, and motor coordination may be compromised, increasing their likelihood of falling.

Low beds minimize the height from which a patient could fall, thereby reducing the potential for injury if they do attempt to get out of bed unassisted. This intervention is particularly important in a delirious patient, who may not have a good sense of where they are or who may act impulsively.

Other options such as restricting fluid intake or encouraging ambulation do not effectively address fall risk and could potentially lead to dehydration or increased confusion, further compounding the problem. Implementing bed rails may seem like a logical choice, but they can sometimes give a false sense of security or even increase the risk of falls if a patient tries to climb over them. Hence, lowering the bed is a more appropriate intervention in this context.