Why might side rails be necessary for a patient after an EGD?

Side rails are often necessary for a patient after an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) primarily to prevent falls due to sedation. During the procedure, patients receive sedative medications to help them relax and minimize discomfort. These sedatives can lead to drowsiness, decrease in alertness, and impaired coordination post-procedure, increasing the risk of falls as the patient may not be fully aware of their surroundings or able to maintain balance.

While comfort, restriction of movement, and assistance with breathing might be considerations in different contexts, they are not the primary reasons for using side rails specifically after an EGD. The chief concern here is ensuring the safety of the patient as they recover from sedative effects, making it essential to use side rails to minimize the risk of accidental falls during this vulnerable period.