Question

Difficulty: MediumSafe Use of Restraints and Safety Devices

A nurse is planning care for a client with sepsis-induced delirium who repeatedly attempts to pull out their central venous catheter. Following unsuccessful attempts at verbal redirection and concealment of the line, the provider prescribes bilateral soft wrist restraints. Which actions should the nurse include in the client's care plan? Select all that apply.

  1. Anchor the restraint ties to the movable portion of the bed frame.Answer
  2. B
    Fasten the restraint ties directly to the side rails to prevent sudden pulling.
  3. C
    Assign the nursing assistant to evaluate the client's distal pulses and capillary refill.
  4. Remove the devices at least every 2 hours to provide skin care and assess circulation.Answer
  5. E
    Obtain a prescription from the provider to use the restraints on an as-needed basis.
  6. Utilize a quick-release knot when tying the restraint straps.Answer

Answer

The nurse should anchor the ties to the movable portion of the bed frame, remove the devices at least every 2 hours to provide skin care and assess circulation, and utilize a quick-release knot.
Safe physical restraint implementation involves strict protocols to prevent injury. The restraints must be anchored to a movable part of the bed frame so that altering the bed's position does not alter the tension on the client's wrists. A quick-release knot is mandatory to allow immediate removal if the client experiences an emergency, such as seizing or requiring CPR. Furthermore, standard protocol mandates removing the restraints at least every 2 hours to directly assess neurovascular status, verify skin integrity, and perform passive range-of-motion exercises.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clinical scenario to determine the type of intervention.
The client is receiving non-violent medical restraints to prevent the disruption of life-saving medical therapy (central venous catheter).
Establishing the reason for restraint dictates the protocol for monitoring, application, and order renewal.
2
Evaluate each option against safety guidelines for restraint application.
Safe application requires tying straps to a movable part of the bed frame with quick-release knots. Tying to side rails is unsafe.
Movable frame attachment prevents constriction during bed adjustments, and quick-release knots ensure rapid removal in emergencies.
3
Evaluate options concerning monitoring and delegation.
Restraints must be removed every 2 hours for care. The RN must perform the neurovascular assessments, not the nursing assistant.
Frequent removal prevents skin breakdown and contractures. The nursing process (assessment) cannot be delegated.
4
Evaluate options concerning legal and prescriptive requirements.
PRN orders for restraints are strictly prohibited.
Regulatory bodies require continuous evaluation of the need for restraints, rendering PRN orders legally invalid.

Key Concept

Safe application, continuous monitoring, and legal requirements for physical restraints.
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