Question

Assignment 4B: Oh, Please Authorize Restraint Use! ( Effective Management of Long-Term Care Facilities)

On page 241 of your textbook, please review Case 2, Oh, Please Authorize Restraint Use

1. As the administrator, how would you address the situation?
2. Name some interventions other than restraint use that may help to decrease Mr. Valdez’s agitation.
3. Would using restraints with Mr. Valdez be appropriate?
4. In situations where restraints must be used, what is the role of each health care professional in ensuring that they are used as safely as possible?

Answer 1

Restraints are the last option to manage an agitated patient when other methods fail to calm down the patient . As an administrator , the situation presented in the case study is that a patient named Mr. Vadlez is very much agitated and creating a mess all over in the clinical setting . To control him every method of agitation management has been used . But it does not had an affect . Now , restraints application is the only option left .

Using restraint would be appropriate as he is not able to be managed with other methods . Restraints must be used as per the regulations . Some of the precautions , guidelines to be followed by healthcare workers while applying restraints are :-

- Doctor's order ( valid for 24 hour ) to restrain

o Type of restraint

o Location of restraint

o Specific patient behaviors justifying use

o Length of time device will be used

- At least every two hours

Restraints are Usually removed and the patient's position changed

- Restraint guidelines

o Review local MTF policy

o Requires continuous, uninterrupted observation

o Requires a doctor's order

o Use the least amount first

o Allow patients as much freedom of movement as possible

o Always explain the purpose of the restraint to the patient and family

o Remember that circulation and skin integrity can be affected by restraints

- Every 15 minutes

Documentation of restraints must be conducted

- Restraint type of knots

Use slip knots for quick release, never use square knots or bows

- Observe the patient frequently

- Patients who are confused may have family or friends sit with them to promote safety

- For the elderly patient, have family members bring in photos to help patient feel more comfortable

- Ensure patient comfort

- Place call bell within reach