i need help with an assignment

[serb_girl_87]

hi my name is skye and im a trainee enrolled nurse and i have this assignment that im haveing trouble with. I need to know what the legal issue is if t.e.n like myself ties a patient to the bed rails with a soft bandage? if anyone could help me it would be really appreiciated thankyou skye

[Fiona59]

Ok for starters nurses NEVER "tie someone to bed rails with bandages".

First, you need a physicians order (at least where I'm licensed) for RESTRAINTS. They are not usually bandages, but specifically designed for the function.

Secondly, you need to monitor the patient and the restraints have to be loosened every two hours.

You need to monitor behaviour, skin condition, circulation, level of agitation.

Document everything you do when following a restraints order.

I can honestly say in four years of nursing, I've never had an order for restraints. Now having said that, in areas of practice, a wheelchair belt being fastened or a tray over the wheelchair or gerichair is considered a restraint.

Now lets not even touch chemical restraints.

You need to know the laws of where you practice.

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

Now having said that, in areas of practice, a wheelchair belt being fastened or a tray over the wheelchair or gerichair is considered a restraint.

Where I work, the tray over the gerichair is not considered a restraint as long as the patient is eating, which is the intended use of the tray. Happily, some folks are confused and hungry.

Also, our beds have 4 bedrails. Having more than 2 bedrails up is also considered a restraint.

[goodknight]

Also, never tie to the bedrail, always tie to the bedframe w/ a quickrelease knot.