Restraint Use in Adults
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
Restraints are methods used by trained healthcare providers to stop or limit a patient's movement. Restraints may be used without the patient's consent.
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Types of restraints:
- Physical restraints are devices that limit specific parts of the patient's body, such as arms or legs. Belt or vest restraints may be used to stop the patient from getting out of bed or a chair.
- Chemical restraints are medicines used to quickly sedate a violent patient. These will be given as a pill or an injection.
- Seclusion is placing the patient in a room by himself. The room is locked and kept free of items that could cause injury. Healthcare providers will watch him at all times.
Monitoring the patient 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.
- The patient's physical comfort will also be monitored closely. Healthcare providers will check the patient's skin for injury or blood flow problems under the restraints. They will also give him liquids and take him to the bathroom as needed.
- The patient's behavior will also be monitored. Healthcare providers will remove physical restraints or allow the patient to leave seclusion as soon as he is calm and cooperative.
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