Protective Devices

Published on 22/05/2015 by admin

Filed under Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Last modified 22/04/2025

Print this page

rate 1 star rate 2 star rate 3 star rate 4 star rate 5 star
Your rating: none, Average: 0 (0 votes)

This article have been viewed 1249 times

Chapter 33 Protective Devices

33.2 Restraints

OVERVIEW.

A restraint is a device used to help immobilize a patient. A physical restraint is a manual, physical, or mechanical device that the patient cannot easily remove and that restricts freedom to move. Drug restraints are nonstandard medication treatments, used to control patient behavior and restrict freedom of movement.1 The purpose/rationale of using restraints has been to reduce fall-related injuries from chairs, beds, and during ambulation, to reduce wandering-related injuries, and to implement invasive medical care such as IV lines. Despite these reasons, physical restraint use has led to instances of strangulation, chest compression asphyxiation, escape-related trauma, and skin and nerve injuries.2

SUMMARY: CONTRAINDICATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS.

Patient injuries and fatalities are major concerns with restraint use. Recommendations and Position Statements for restraint use on patients are listed from the Food and Drug Administration3 and American Geriatric Society,4 respectively. Thirteen issues are listed; six (about 45%) are shared concerns. Issues include (1) use of alternatives, (2) discontinuation, (3) regulation, (4) removal, (5) staff training, and (6) proper use. Rubin et al,5 in a 1993 descriptive study (case series), noted that restraints used in chairs, wheelchairs, and beds can be lethal, even if applied correctly.