Final answer:
Physical restraints are designed to prevent harm and require a doctor's order to ensure appropriate use. OBRA mandates their restricted use. Safety compared to chemical restraints depends on specific circumstances; no restraint is inherently safer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of physical restraints within healthcare facilities is a controversial and highly regulated practice. Answering whether physical restraints can be removed easily by the person, whether they are allowed by OBRA, require a doctor's order, or are safer than chemical restraints is important for compliant and ethical patient care.
Physical restraints are not generally designed to be removed easily by the patient; they are implemented to prevent harm to the patient or others when less restrictive interventions fail. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) indeed restricts the use of restraints, mandating that they should only be used when absolutely necessary and under strict guidelines. A doctor's order is generally required for the application of physical restraints to ensure they are used appropriately, and according to the patient's care plan. Lastly, comparing the safety of physical and chemical restraints involves an assessment of the specific circumstances and risks present; however, it's a misconception that physical restraints are necessarily safer than chemical ones. Each type of restraint bears its own risks and should be used judiciously and under proper supervision.