Final answer:
Nurses use the least restrictive restraints to maintain patient safety and dignity while minimizing potential harm. These interventions are chosen based on patient needs, ethical considerations, and legal standards, aligning with the principles of autonomy and nonmaleficence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nurses use the least restrictive restraints to ensure the safety and dignity of patients while minimizing the risks associated with restraint use. Restraints are implemented only when necessary to prevent harm to the patient or others, and the least restrictive form is chosen to reduce potential physical and psychological harm. The selection of restraints is guided by clinical judgment, ethical considerations, and legal standards, aiming to balance the patient's need for movement and autonomy with safety concerns.
Using the least restrictive restraints includes a range of practices, from verbal reminders to physical devices, and the choice depends on the specific situation. For instance, a nurse may use soft wrist restraints to prevent a patient who is confused or agitated from pulling out essential medical lines, or they might opt for bed rails and closer monitoring in a less acute case. It is also vital to regularly reassess the patient's condition to determine if the restraints are still necessary or if they can be safely removed.
The practice of using the least restrictive restraints aligns with the ethical principles of autonomy and nonmaleficence, ensuring that the patient's freedom is limited only to the extent required for their well-being. Moreover, it is part of patient-centered care and supports the therapeutic environment necessary for recovery.