Restraint Use in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Restraints are methods used by trained healthcare providers to stop or limit your child's movement. Restraints may be used without your consent.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want for your child. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
Types of restraints:
- Physical restraints are devices that limit your child's movement. They include arm, leg, lap, or vest restraints. Bed sheets may be used to swaddle a younger child. Healthcare providers may also hold your child's arms, chest, or legs to keep him or her from moving during certain tests.
- Chemical restraints are medicines used to quickly sedate your child if he or she is violent. These will be given as a pill or an injection.
- Seclusion is placing your child in a room by himself or herself. The room is locked and kept free of items that could cause injury. Healthcare providers will watch your child at all times when he or she is in seclusion.
Monitoring your child in restraints:
- Vital signs, such as heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure, will be taken often to make sure they are in normal range.
- Your child's physical comfort will also be monitored closely. Healthcare providers will check your child's skin for injury or blood flow problems under the restraints. They will also give your child liquids and take him or her to the bathroom as needed.
- Your child's behavior will also be monitored. Healthcare providers will remove physical restraints or allow your child to leave seclusion as soon as he or she is calm and cooperative.
RISKS:
Your child may become more angry or violent while in restraints or seclusion. He or she may struggle against physical restraints. This can cause skin wounds or block blood flow. It can also increase your child's heart rate and breathing rate. This can be life-threatening.
Chemical restraints can cause low blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, and slow or shallow breathing. This can affect how much oxygen your child gets. Chemical restraints can also cause drooling, shuffled walk, muscle spasms and stiffness, and tremors.
CARE AGREEMENT:
Your child has the right to safe care and to be treated with respect when restraints are used. You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition, how it may be treated, and when restraints may be needed. You can then discuss treatment options with healthcare providers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to best treat your child.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
