Final answer:
The nurse should first use other methods to keep the client safe, and if necessary, obtain a prescription for restraints. The nurse works as part of a multidisciplinary team, ensuring all steps are followed for the safety and recovery of the patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
Caring for a Client in the Emergency Department
When a nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who may need restraints, the first action is to use other methods to keep the client safe. This could involve de-escalation techniques, environmental adjustments, or seeking additional support from healthcare team members. If these methods are not sufficient and restraints become necessary, the nurse should then obtain a prescription from the provider for restraints, ensuring that the use of restraints is medically appropriate and legally authorized. Following this, it's important to review medications that might be causing confusion, assess where the restraint would be placed, pad bony prominences under the restraint, and monitor the client every 2 hours to prevent any harm and provide the best care possible.
Additionally, nurses are trained to work in multidisciplinary teams, often reviewing the patient's condition and treatment plan aloud with the team to ensure the best outcomes. This includes confirming the patient's identity, the surgical site, the procedure, and reviewing any critical events that might be anticipated during care. The use of checklists and protocols, similar to those used by pilots for safety, is a standard practice in healthcare settings to ensure that all necessary steps are followed during medical procedures.