Question

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?

Option 1: "I'll make sure to use mechanical restraints whenever a patient becomes agitated to maintain control."
Option 2: "I'll document the patient's behavior and the need for restraints in the medical record after applying them."
Option 3: "I understand that mechanical restraints should only be used as a last resort when other interventions have failed."
Option 4: "I'll use mechanical restraints for any patient who refuses to comply with the treatment plan to ensure their safety and the safety of others."

Answer 1

The correct understanding is that mechanical restraints should be used as a last resort in a mental health facility. It's important for nurses to document behavior and need for restraints, and they are not for punitive or convenience purposes.

Step-by-step explanation:

In response to the question about the use of mechanical restraints in a mental health facility, the statement by the newly licensed nurse that indicates an understanding of the teaching is: "I understand that mechanical restraints should only be used as a last resort when other interventions have failed." This statement is consistent with best practices in healthcare, which dictate that mechanical restraints are to be used sparingly and only when necessary to prevent harm to the patient or others, and when less restrictive interventions are not effective. It is also important for nurses to document the patient's behavior and the need for restraints both before and after applying them, as part of the patient's medical record, to ensure the legality and propriety of the actions taken. Mechanical restraints are not to be used for convenience, punishment, retaliation, or merely because a patient is noncompliant with the treatment plan.