Mosby's Canadian Practical Nurse (PN) Practice Test

Which approach is appropriate when discussing restraints with a family of a confused patient?

Restraints should be ordered by any nurse if safety is a concern. The physician should never order restraints; family decides. A family member staying with the patient should be considered as an alternative. Restraints are illegal and never used.

Correct Answer:

A family member staying with the patient should be considered as an alternative.

Explanation:

The main idea is using the least restrictive approach to keep the patient safe, which often means involving the family as part of the care plan. Having a family member stay with a confused patient provides continuous observation, helps prevent wandering or agitation, and can calm and reorient the patient. This allows safety and comfort to be maintained without resorting to physical restraints. Restraints require a physician’s order and should be used only after assessing and trying alternatives, with ongoing reevaluation. So, supporting the patient with a family sitter is a preferred option that respects dignity and autonomy. Restraints aren’t automatically required or appropriate, and they aren’t decided by the family; they’re governed by policy and medical orders.

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