restraint /re·straint/ (re-strānt´) the forcible confinement or control of a subject.
restraint
restraint [re-strānt´]
re·straint (r -str nt )n. 1. An instrument or a means of restraint to prevent the infliction of harm to self or others, such as a straightjacket. 2. Control or repression of feelings; constraint. |
restraint
[ristrānt′]
Etymology: L, restringere, to confine
any one of numerous mechanical devices or chemical agents used to hinder or restrict a patient's movement. Examples of mechanical restraints are specially designed slings, jackets, or diapers. Restraints that are too tight may cause skin irritation; those that fit too loosely do not serve their purpose. When a restraining device needs to be used, it should be correctly sized for the patient and allow enough space for two fingers to fit between the patient's skin and the restraint. Restraints are usually removed every 4 hours or more frequently to assess skin integrity and provide skin care. Release of restraints at least every 2 hours is recommended to allow range-of-motion exercises and assistance with activities of daily living. Throughout the period of restraint, it is important to continue recording all physical and psychosocial assessments in accordance with hospital protocol. See also mechanical restraint.
restraint [re-strānt´]
the forcible confinement or control of a subject, as of a confused, disoriented, psychotic, or irrational person; it may be either physical or chemical. Restraint of any kind is used only when the patient's behavior presents a danger to himself or herself or another person. It is never used for the convenience of staff or as a substitute for conscientious nursing care.
Chemical restraint refers to the quieting of a violently psychotic or irrational person by means of medication. Physical restraints include restraining mitts to prevent removal of drainage tubes, restraints of upper and lower limbs to limit mobility and prevent the patient from climbing out of bed or physically harming someone at the bedside, and waist and body restraints such as a camisole (straitjacket). Even though the patient might not fully understand the need for restraint, a brief explanation of why it is being done should be given.
Assessment of the need for physical restraint includes a systematic determination of the level of confusion or disorientation exhibited by the patient and objective observations of his behavior. If possible, the cause of the patient's behavior should be identified, e.g., trauma, drug or alcohol intoxication, electrolyte imbalance, elevated temperature, pain, fear, or mental exhaustion. Findings of the assessment should be well documented in specific terms for legal reasons as well as to inform other caretakers and provide continuity of care.
Alternatives to physical restraint include reality orientation for disoriented patients (clocks, radio, television, newspapers, and magazines will all aid patients to orient themselves to reality); controlling the environment to minimize confusion and stimulation (restraints can intensify anxiety and confusion); and constant attendance at the bedside.
Since restraint of patients subjects them to the hazards of immobility, it is essential that they be monitored closely, their vital signs checked regularly, and their position changed at least every two hours. The use of restraints is an active area of nursing research. The most appropriate and least restrictive type of restraint should always be the one chosen.
Chemical restraint refers to the quieting of a violently psychotic or irrational person by means of medication. Physical restraints include restraining mitts to prevent removal of drainage tubes, restraints of upper and lower limbs to limit mobility and prevent the patient from climbing out of bed or physically harming someone at the bedside, and waist and body restraints such as a camisole (straitjacket). Even though the patient might not fully understand the need for restraint, a brief explanation of why it is being done should be given.
Assessment of the need for physical restraint includes a systematic determination of the level of confusion or disorientation exhibited by the patient and objective observations of his behavior. If possible, the cause of the patient's behavior should be identified, e.g., trauma, drug or alcohol intoxication, electrolyte imbalance, elevated temperature, pain, fear, or mental exhaustion. Findings of the assessment should be well documented in specific terms for legal reasons as well as to inform other caretakers and provide continuity of care.
Alternatives to physical restraint include reality orientation for disoriented patients (clocks, radio, television, newspapers, and magazines will all aid patients to orient themselves to reality); controlling the environment to minimize confusion and stimulation (restraints can intensify anxiety and confusion); and constant attendance at the bedside.
Since restraint of patients subjects them to the hazards of immobility, it is essential that they be monitored closely, their vital signs checked regularly, and their position changed at least every two hours. The use of restraints is an active area of nursing research. The most appropriate and least restrictive type of restraint should always be the one chosen.
Types of restraints: A, Chest restraint; B, Hand mitt restraint; C, Belt restraint; D, Mummy restraint. From Lammon et al., 1996.
jacket restraint camisole.
physical restraint
1. see restraint.
2. in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as the application, monitoring, and removal of mechanical restraining devices or manual restraints which are used to limit the physical mobility of a patient.
restraint,
n any one of a number of devices used in aiding the immobilization of patients, especially children in traction.
restraint
control of an animal so that it can be examined or treated.
restraint bag
see feline restraint bag.
restraint cage
see squeeze cage.
chemical restraint
tranquilizers, sedatives and anesthetics are used depending on the wildness of the animal. See also blow dart.
diversionary restraint
use of various techniques to distract the animal and permit minimal physical restraint, usually used on horses. Examples are tapping or rubbing the head, using a blindfold, pressure on a skin fold, holding an ear, applying a chain shank over the bridge of the nose and use of a war bridle.
physical restraint
includes everything from halters to casting harness for horses, from hog-holders to dog-catchers.
restraint
Control or prevention of an action Nursing Any device used to restrict the free movement of Pts with behavioral or physical problems, who may cause harm to themselves and others. See Mechanical restraint, Pharmacologic restraint.
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