Restraint Use Guidelines:

Restraint Use Guidelines:

• A. Last resort for patient safety; discontinue early.
• B. First resort at any safety risk.
• C. Used routinely for all patients.
• D. Preferred for comfort.

Answer: (A)

Restraints are intended only as a last resort to prevent imminent harm, and they should be removed as soon as the risk has subsided. In geriatric care, using restraints upfront ignores the substantial risks they pose—physical injury, skin breakdown, falls or fractures from struggling, delirium or worsening confusion, reduced mobility and deconditioning, and significant distress for the patient. Because of these harms, guidelines emphasize addressing reversible causes of risk first (pain, delirium, infection, dehydration), optimizing the environment, and using de-escalation and nonrestrictive supports (adequate staffing, closer supervision, safe positioning, comfort measures, activity, and family involvement). If restraints are ever used, they should be the least restrictive option, applied only for the shortest duration possible, and accompanied by continuous monitoring, regular reassessment, and careful documentation. This approach explains why restraints are not the first choice, not routine, and not used for comfort.

Restraints are intended only as a last resort to prevent imminent harm, and they should be removed as soon as the risk has subsided. In geriatric care, using restraints upfront ignores the substantial risks they pose—physical injury, skin breakdown, falls or fractures from struggling, delirium or worsening confusion, reduced mobility and deconditioning, and significant distress for the patient. Because of these harms, guidelines emphasize addressing reversible causes of risk first (pain, delirium, infection, dehydration), optimizing the environment, and using de-escalation and nonrestrictive supports (adequate staffing, closer supervision, safe positioning, comfort measures, activity, and family involvement). If restraints are ever used, they should be the least restrictive option, applied only for the shortest duration possible, and accompanied by continuous monitoring, regular reassessment, and careful documentation. This approach explains why restraints are not the first choice, not routine, and not used for comfort.