The Importance of Using Physical Restraint as a Last Resort in Healthcare

Physical Restraints

• A physical restraint is considered when a device or object is used to restrict a patient's movement.
• Physical restraints should not be used for more than a maximum duration.
• When using extremity restraints, it is essential to monitor the patient's circulation and skin integrity.
• The purpose of using a quick-release knot when tying extremity restraints is to enable rapid removal in case of emergency.
• Patients in physical restraints should be checked on at least every 2 hours to ensure their safety and comfort.
• Keeping the call bell within reach of a patient in physical restraints allows them to easily call for assistance.
• Before applying restraints to a patient, the nurse should try alternative methods and ensure that the decision to use restraints is justified.

Patient Safety

• If a patient asks for bed rails to be up, it should be done to ensure their safety and prevent falls.
• If a patient is found in a supine position with wrist restraints flat, it can lead to nerve damage and should be immediately addressed.
• Patients who are at risk of falling should have their bed rails up, and their call bell should be within reach.

Developmental Stages and Safety

• Infants are at risk of suffocation, strangulation, and falls.
• Toddlers are at risk of poisoning, burns, and falls.
• Preschoolers are at risk of drowning, poisoning, and falls.
• School-age children are at risk of injury from sports, poisoning, and falls.
• Adolescents are at risk of injury from sports, violence, and falls.
• Older adults are at risk of falls, especially due to decreased mobility, vision, and hearing.

Fall Prevention

• Older adults are at the highest risk for unintentional injuries due to falls.
• Medication is not a primary cause of falls in older adults.
• Identifying at-risk patients is essential to prevent falls and take necessary precautions.
• If a patient experiences a fall, they should be assessed for injuries, and necessary interventions should be implemented.
• To prevent further incidents after a fall, the patient's environment should be assessed for hazards, and necessary modifications should be made.
• Interventions to prevent falls in older adults include removing hazards, improving lighting, and encouraging exercise.
• A patient's home should be assessed for risk factors, such as inadequate lighting and slippery floors, to prevent falls.
• A fall risk band (yellow) is used to identify patients who are at risk of falling.
• Decreased mobility, vision, and hearing are primary causes of falls in older adults.

Seizure Precautions

• Seizure precautions include providing a safe environment, monitoring the patient, and having emergency equipment available.
• Risk factors for seizures include a history of seizures, epilepsy, and head injuries.
• If a patient has a seizure, the nurse should clear the area, turn the patient to their side, and provide oxygen.
• The recommended position to place a patient during a seizure is on their side in a lateral position.
• The purpose of using a bite block or oral airway during a seizure is to protect the patient's airway.
• The purpose of using oral suction during seizure precautions is to remove secretions and maintain a patent airway.

Fire Safety

• If a fire occurs in a healthcare setting, the nurse should Rescue patients in immediate danger, Activate the fire alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Extinguish or Evacuate.
• The first step in the RACE fire safety procedure is to Rescue patients in immediate danger.

Body Mechanics

• The proper body mechanics for a nurse when lifting heavy objects involves bending at the knees, keeping the object close, and lifting with the legs.

Safety Precautions

• Safety precautions to reduce the risk of falls include removing hazards, improving lighting, and encouraging exercise.
• Safety precautions to prevent falls in older adults include installing handrails, improving lighting, and providing a safe environment.