Which of the following is true about restraints in elderly care?

Which of the following is true about restraints in elderly care?

• A. They can lead to distress, immobility, and death.
• B. They are always the safest option.
• C. They can cause distress and immobility.
• D. They have no impact on safety.

Answer: (C)

Restraints in elderly care often cause more harm than good. Physically restricting a person’s movement leads to immobility, which can trigger rapid functional decline, muscle wasting, and complications like pressure ulcers, pneumonia, constipation, and a higher risk of delirium. Psychologically, being restrained can provoke fear, anxiety, agitation, and a loss of dignity, contributing to distress. Because these harms are common and well-documented, the statement that restraints can cause distress and immobility is the most accurate and clinically important takeaway. Restraints are not always the safest option, and they do impact safety, so the other choices don’t fit as well.

Restraints in elderly care often cause more harm than good. Physically restricting a person’s movement leads to immobility, which can trigger rapid functional decline, muscle wasting, and complications like pressure ulcers, pneumonia, constipation, and a higher risk of delirium. Psychologically, being restrained can provoke fear, anxiety, agitation, and a loss of dignity, contributing to distress. Because these harms are common and well-documented, the statement that restraints can cause distress and immobility is the most accurate and clinically important takeaway. Restraints are not always the safest option, and they do impact safety, so the other choices don’t fit as well.