Question

A nurse in a mental health facility is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the use of mechanical restraints. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding of the teaching?

a) "Restraints should only be used for aggressive behavior."
b) "We can use restraints to keep the patient in bed at night."
c) "Restraints are not needed for verbal aggression."
d) "Physical restraints can be applied without a physician's order."

Answer 1

The statement that correctly indicates understanding is that "Restraints are not needed for verbal aggression." Restraints should only be used as a last resort, should not be used out of convenience, and require a physician's order.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement that indicates an understanding of the use of mechanical restraints in a mental health facility is: "Restraints are not needed for verbal aggression." Mechanical restraints are a serious intervention that should be used only as a last resort and under specific circumstances.

Restraints should not be used solely for aggressive behavior and definitely should not be used to keep a patient in bed at night as a matter of convenience. Furthermore, restraints should not be applied without a physician's order, except in extreme emergencies where immediate action is necessary to prevent harm to the patient or others, and even then, they must be followed by a physician's order as soon as possible.

It's important to consider that employees with less training, lower education, and higher risks of mental health issues might tend to use restraints improperly. Therefore, ongoing education and support for caregivers is crucial.