Question

The nurse manager is providing an educational session to the nursing staff in a skilled nursing facility on the guidelines for the safe use of physical restraints. Which are safe guidelines? Select all that apply.

A. A health care provider's prescription is required.
B. Restraints should be secured with a quick-release tie.
C. Restraints are secured to side rails so that they can be easily removed as necessary.
D. Restraints are used when other measures have failed to prevent self-injury or injury to others.
E. Restraints can be used as a usual part of treatment plans, as indicated by the client's condition or symptoms.
F. The use of restraints can be prescribed PRN (as needed) as long as the nurse performs a thorough assessment before applying them.

Answer 1

The safe use of physical restraints in healthcare requires a prescription, use of quick-release ties, and should never be tied to side rails. Restraints are a last resort and should not be part of the usual treatment plans except when indicated, and PRN use of restraints requires thorough assessment each time.

Step-by-step explanation:

Safe Guidelines for the Use of Physical Restraints

The educational session you're participating in will cover several important guidelines for the safe use of physical restraints. First and foremost, it's imperative to note that a health care provider's prescription is required before restraints can be applied. This ensures that the use of restraints is medically justified and deemed necessary.

Restraints should be secured with a quick-release tie, which makes it possible to remove them quickly in case of an emergency. Restraints should never be tied to side rails, as this could pose a serious risk to the patient in the event of an emergency that requires rapid removal. Instead, restraints should be secured in a way that facilitates their safe and prompt removal as necessary.

Physical restraints are a last resort and should only be used after other less restrictive measures have failed to prevent self-injury or injury to others. This reflects a commitment to patient safety and respect for the individual's dignity. Additionally, restraints should not be seen as a usual part of treatment plans unless specifically indicated by the client's condition or symptoms. Restraints should be tailored to the individual case and used with the utmost caution.

Lastly, the use of restraints cannot be prescribed PRN (as needed) without a proper assessment. A thorough assessment by the registered nurse is crucial each time before applying restraints, to ensure they are necessary and to choose the most appropriate type of restraint.