Applying Restraints

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Written by Hollie Finders, RN
Hollie Finders is a registered nurse with years of experience working in the health care field. She has degrees in both biochemistry and nursing. After working with patients of all ages, Hollie now specializes in pediatric intensive care nursing. Hollie’s LinkedIn

Procedure

Equipment needed: restraints.

  1. Attempt restraint alternatives.
  2. Check with the nurse to ensure use of restraints is necessary in this situation, and that an order for the restraints is being obtained.
  3. Perform hand hygiene.
  4. Explain the procedure to the patient.
  5. Obtain and apply the restraint (see below for specific procedures).
  6. Perform hand hygiene.
  7. Document the procedure in the patient’s chart and report any changes in the patient’s condition to the nurse.

Safety Belt Restraint

  1. Apply the belt over the patient’s clothing at the waist.
  2. Cross the ties around the back of the patient and slip the ties through the corresponding loops on each side.
  3. If the patient is sitting in a chair, correctly fasten the belt using a slipknot around the back of the chair.
  4. If the patient is in bed, tie the restraints to the bed frame on the corresponding side of the bed or stretcher using a slipknot.
  5. Ensure one finger can fit between the patient and the belt.

Vest Restraint

  1. Slip the vest on the patient over his or her clothes. Follow the manufacturer’s protocol to determine if the opening of the vest goes in the front or the back.
  2. Cross the restraint ties by pulling one tie through the slit on the opposite side of the vest.
  3. Tie the restraint around the back of the chair using a slipknot, or tie the restraints to the bed frame on the corresponding side of the bed or stretcher using a slipknot.
  4. Ensure the restraint is not too tight and that the patient’s breathing is not restricted.

Mitt Restraint

  1. Place hand into restraint.
  2. Secure the mitt at the wrist.
  3. Ensure fingers have range of motion and that the restraint is not too tight.

Wrist/Ankle Restraint

  1. Apply padded restraint to wrist or ankle.
  2. Ensure two fingers can fit between the restraint and the patient.
  3. Fasten the straps through the loops on the restraint.
  4. Secure restraint ties to the bed frame using a slipknot.

Important Information

Restraints have very strict guidelines for use due to the number of complications that can result. Use of restraints is associated with increased physical and psychosocial health issues [1]. Restraints are only considered necessary when restraint-free alternatives have failed and the patient or others are at risk of harm without the restraints [1]. It is illegal to use restraints for the staff’s convenience or to punish the patient [2].

Always follow the facility’s policy when using restraints. Nurses are responsible for assessing and monitoring a patient in restraints; however, the nurse may ask the nurse’s aide to assist in releasing restraints and repositioning the patient. Remember to always use a quick release slipknot when securing the restraint. This allows for an easy and immediate removal of the restraint in emergencies. Also, when used in bed, be sure to tie the restraint to the bed frame and never to a bed’s side rail.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2564468/

2. https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/part-a/rights-in-snf.html

More Resources

Handwashing for CNAs

Handwashing is considered the single most important practice to prevent the spread of infection. Even when hands look clean, they could potentially be crawling with dangerous microorganisms and pathogens. Using soap and friction during handwashing helps loosen the oils on the skin, allowing dirt and pathogens to be rinsed away.

Using a Gait / Transfer Belt to Assist the Resident to Ambulate

Walking (aka, ambulating) helps residents maintain mobility and independence, and prevents complications. However, ambulation must be done safely so that the resident does not have a fall or injury. A gait or transfer belt, when properly used, can increase resident safety. Gait belts can vary between facilities, so make sure you know how to use the one in your facility.

Measuring the Respirations

Respiration is a vital sign that is measured frequently in the healthcare setting. Taking this measurement requires no equipment and relatively little time. However, it is a measurement that must be taken accurately, as a change in respiration may indicate the worsening of a patient’s condition.

Orthopneic Position

Patients with respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) find ways to help themselves breathe more easily. This can include sleeping with extra pillows to keep them propped up or leaning forward to ease the work of breathing. The orthopneic position is one forward-leaning position used to help patients breathe comfortably when they are having difficulty.

Moving the Resident to the Side of the Bed

Residents are usually kept in the center of the bed for safety reasons. However, moving a resident to the side of the bed is an important step to take before turning a resident onto his or her side. Performing this action allows the resident to end up side lying in the center of the bed and not smashed up against the side rail.

Measuring Blood Pressure

Many factors can interfere with obtaining an accurate blood pressure. The most common mistakes that lead to inaccurate blood pressures are a result of improper technique, including: not supporting the patient’s arm, using the wrong sized cuff, positioning the cuff too low on the patient’s arm, improper positioning of the cuff’s artery marker, and attempting to measure blood pressure through clothing.