Final answer:
The minimal force necessary to ensure safety should be used when restraining a patient. This approach respects patient dignity and safety, while adhering to professional healthcare guidelines.
Step-by-step explanation:
When restraining a patient, the appropriate level of force that should be used is b. Minimal force necessary to ensure safety. This principle is crucial to ensure the safety and dignity of the patient, while also protecting the staff involved in the restraint. Restraint should be used only as a last resort, after all other de-escalation techniques have been tried and have failed. It's important to understand that restraint is not about exerting power or control over a patient, but about maintaining a safe environment. The force used must always be proportionate to the risk presented and should be the least restrictive option necessary to prevent harm.
The concepts provided in the reference information about applying force parallel to the lever arm at certain distances from the pivot point are more relevant to physics and mechanics and do not apply in the context of restraining patients within a healthcare setting.