An example of a physical restraint is:

The choice of side rails on a bed as an example of a physical restraint is appropriate because they are designed to limit a person's mobility and prevent them from falling out of bed. Side rails can restrict movement and may lead to a situation where a patient feels confined or unable to reposition themselves freely.

Physical restraints are defined as devices or methods that physically restrict a person's movement. In healthcare settings, restraints should be used judiciously and only when necessary for the safety of the patient or others. The inclusion of side rails fits this definition, as they serve to hold a patient in place and can be seen as a way to control their physical movements.

Wrist straps, another option, also qualify as physical restraints but are not the selected answer. Medication is not a physical restraint; it alters behavior or mood but does not limit physical movement. Counseling sessions focus on emotional and psychological support, which does not physically restrain a patient. Together, these distinctions help clarify that side rails are indeed a form of physical restraint in a healthcare context.