Definition: Restraints are any mechanical, chemical or environmental means which are intended to prevent injury or bring under control behaviours or physical movements which could cause bodily harm to patients or others.

• Effective restraint reduction requires innovative substitutes for the use of restraints.
• Research has shown that 81% of patients who remove their endotracheal tube were restrained at the time.
• Evidence also shows that the use of restraints contributes to depression, anger, nosocomial infection, and pressure ulcers.

An assessment for alternative measures is done prior to the use of restraints.

• Restraints are used only after other measures have been considered and are either unsuccessful or inappropriate.

Click to obtain Decision Tree for the use of restraints in CCTC.

Document the alternate methods used and patient’s response.

• Many reasons for restless and agitation can exist including:
  • Pain (e.g., from incisions, invasive lines, monitoring devices or prolonged bedrest)
  • Anxiety
  • Malfunction of catheters
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Drug reactions, interactions or withdrawal
  • Electrolyte imbalances
• Restraints may contribute to further agitation and delirium.

• Restraints are indicated in isolated circumstances where there are risks of injury to the patient or others.
• Restraint measures should allow as much autonomy as possible while promoting patient and staff safety.

• Prior to the use of restraints or as soon as possible once restraints have been initiated, the Family or Substitute Decision-Maker must be notified and their verbal consent documented in the AI flowsheet.
• Discussion with the family should include:
  • the reason for the restraints
  • the alternatives that have been attempted or considered
  • the type of restraints to be used
  • the associated risks
  • the time frame for which restraints may be necessary
  • the risks associated with not restraining the patient

If the family refuses the use of restraints despite being made aware of the potential risks to the patient or others, a “Consent for the Refusal of Physical Restraints” must be signed by the Family or Substitute Decision-Makers.

The Consent for Refusal of Physical Restraint demonstrates that the Family or Substitute-Decision Maker is aware of the risks.

Document the following in the AI record:

• the behaviour that necessitated the use of the restraint
• the date and time of initial application
• the type of restraint used
• the discussion with the Family/Substitute Decision-Maker
• the verbal consent or refusal
• observations regarding the effect of the restraint on the patient's behaviour

The Consent for Refusal for Restraint must be completed and left on the chart.

Careful documentation is important to demonstrate that the patient’s dignity, rights and independence were considered while attempting to maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff.

Injury risks from the use of restraints have been well documented.

During initiation of restraints:

The following assessments must be made q 15-30 minutes X 1 hour , then every 15 – 60 minutes:

• colour, circulation, sensation and motion of all restrained limbs
• skin condition

Document findings on the A/I flowsheet.

Reported complications related to restraint use have been reported and include:

• emotional difficulties
• increased agitation
• confusion
• delirium
• skin breakdown
• circulatory dysfunction
• respiratory compromise
• brachial plexus injury

During ongoing use of restraints:

• Remove and reapply restraints q2h.
• Reposition the patient q2h.
• Monitor body alignment. Pay particular attention to ensure the shoulder is in proper alignment and not being strained.
• Perform range of motion exercises q12h and prn.

The following assessments must be made q2h AND documented on the AI flowsheet:

• colour, circulation, sensation and motion of all restrained limbs
• skin integrity

Brachial plexus injuries can occur from stretching of the shoulder. This can lead to injuries ranging from arm and hand numbness to paralysis.

Reassess the use of restraints q24h and document daily on the AI 24-hour assessment record.

Patient's restraint requirements will change and need to be regularly reevaluated.