Chemical and Mechanical Restraints

[NicuRN628]

Does anyone have any good resources regarding chemical and mechanical restraints? I am doing a presentation on these topics but my textbooks do not have much information in them, one page total. This is for a mental health course.

Thank you!

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

in cases like this Google is your friend......

[h=3]Restraints Self Learning Packet[/h]

What kind of information are you looking for?

I work in an urban ED and we use chemical (haldol, zyprexa, ativan, benedryl, versed) and physical restraints (lap belts, soft wrist/ankle, hard leathers on occasion) on a regular basis.

[NicuRN628]

Do you always use chemical restraints before physical restraints?

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Do you always use chemical restraints before physical restraints?

One thing you should know is that "always" is a long, long time, and any test question answer choice that is presented to you as an "always" is, well, pretty much always the wrong answer. :) Let us know what you find out.

Do you always use chemical restraints before physical restraints?

No, it really depends on the circumstances.

Generally, if we're going with chemical restraints, the physical restraints (at least the lap belt) are already in place - or they're initiated as part of giving the chemical restraints.

We often use physical restraints without chemical restraints (e.g., somebody pulling at their Foley or IV line) but it's rare to go the other way around.

I don't care for the term "chemical restraint" because I don't think it's accurate, except in the case of paralytics.

We go as light and easy as we can and then escalate as needed for the safety of the staff and the safety of the patient.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Do you always use chemical restraints before physical restraints?

No.....sometimes patients need to be physically restrained before you can chemically restrain them.

However....NEVER use physical restraint without chemical assistance.

Then you may remove the physical restraints.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

the most important thing to learn about restraints is that they are ALWAYS a patient safety issue, not a staff convenience issue. That is why prn orders are not allowed. Specific criteria must be met