RESTRAINT APPLICATION

 

• Used only when other, less restrictive, measures prove ineffective in protecting the patient and others from harm.
• Soft Restraints – limit movement (to prevent the confused, disoriented, or combative patient from injuring himself or others.
• Vest and Belt restraints – permit full movement of arms and legs (to prevent falls from bed or a chair.)
• Limb restraints – allow only slight limb motion (to prevent the patient from removing supportive equipment (e.g. I.V. lines, indwelling catheters, NGTs, etc).
• Mitts – prevent the patient from removing supportive equipment, scratching rashes or sores, and injuring himself or others.
• Body restraints – immobilize al or most of the body (to control the combative or hysterical patient.

 

When to use Leather Restraints?

ü When soft restraints aren’t sufficient

ü When sedation is dangerous or ineffective

*Duration of Leather restraint use is governed by state law and facility policy

 

Applied to:

ü All limbs (4-point restraints)

ü One arm and one leg (2-point restraints)

*Depending on the patient’s behavior

 

NOTE!!!

ü Use restraints cautiously in patients prone to seizures (increase the risk of fracture and trauma)

ü Restraints shouldn’t be applied directly over wounds or I.V. catheters (can cause irritation and restrict blood flow)

ü Use vest restraint cautiously in patients with heart failure or a respiratory disorder (can tighten with movement, further limiting circulation and respiratory function)

 

 

Equipments needed:

 

Soft Restraints

• Vest belt
• Limb or body restraints or mitts, as needed
• Gauze pads
• Washcloths if needed

 

 

Leather restraints

• Two wrist and two ankle leather restraints
• Four straps
• Key
• Large gauze pads to cushion each extremity