An elderly client is 12-hours postoperative for a hernia repair and suddenly becomes agitated, staggers out into the corridor, and demands to be set free. After assisting the client back to bed and administering pain medication, which intervention is best for the practical nurse (PN) to implement?

A. Instruct a UAP to keep the upper side rails up and check on the client every 15 minutes until the client is resting: Close supervision and use of safety measures such as raised side rails help prevent falls and injury. Frequent monitoring ensures the client’s safety while allowing time for the effects of pain medication and reorientation. B. Administer a prescribed narcotic antagonist to reverse the effects of any analgesic accumulation: This is only indicated if there are signs of opioid overdose such as respiratory depression, not agitation or confusion. Administering a narcotic antagonist unnecessarily could reverse needed pain control. C. Notify the healthcare provider and request a prescription for restraints to minimize the client's danger to self: Restraints are a last resort due to risks of injury and psychological distress. Other less restrictive interventions should be attempted first. D. Raise the side rails and notify the family to come and stay until the client is reoriented and cooperative: While involving family may provide comfort, immediate close monitoring and safety measures take priority to prevent falls or injury.