The nurse is caring for a patient who is admitted with an exacerbation of multiple sclerosis (MS). The nurse completes the hospital's fall scale and determines that the patient is a high fall risk. What is the most effective intervention for the nurse to perform to prevent falls for this patient?

Rationale: A. While padding bed rails can reduce injury if a fall occurs, it does not actively prevent the patient from attempting to get out of bed or losing balance. It is a passive safety measure, not a primary fall-prevention strategy. B. Physical restraints are not recommended for fall prevention due to the risk of injury, immobility, and psychological harm. Restraints may actually increase fall risk if patients struggle against them, and their use is regulated and reserved for emergency situations only. C. Bed or chair alarms alert staff immediately when a high fall-risk patient attempts to get up unassisted, allowing timely intervention to prevent falls. This is an active safety measure that is evidence-based for patients with impaired mobility, weakness, or poor coordination, as often seen in MS exacerbations. Alarms support early recognition of risk behaviors while promoting patient independence. D. Prolonged bed rest is not recommended because it can lead to deconditioning, muscle weakness, and further mobility deficits, which may increase fall risk over time. MS patients benefit from supervised mobility and activity as tolerated, combined with safety measures.