Question on the use of restraints

[Wicked Wahine]

Where can I find a list of exactly what is considered a medical restraint and what isn't? If I'm reading it correctly, the Joint Commission says that basically anything that restrains a person from moving freely is a restraint but that just seems too vague to me. Specifically, I'm trying to find information about the safety and legal issues regarding use of a gait belt to restrain a disoriented and high fall risk patient to a chair.

Thank you!

[qt2168]

Ok so someone explain this. At my hospital we have freedom splints that go around the pts elbows that stop them from bending their elbows to pull out iv tubing. This is called an alternative at my hospital and not a restraint. Is this wrong?

[aura_of_laura]

Freedom splints? That's hilarious!

[Saysfaa]

Elbow splints like you describe are on the list of restraints in the nursing textbook. I'm still doing the prereqs before nursing school, though, so don't know much yet.

[elkpark]

Freedom splints? That's hilarious!

I'm guessing the term "freedom splint" is used intentionally (not ironically or humorously) to distinguish between keeping the person from pulling out the IV by immobilizing the elbow joint (but the person can still move the arm, use the hand, etc.) and restraining the arm (and, hence, restricting/restraining the person's freedom to move around). It is a less restrictive intervention than strapping the person's hand(s) to the bed, and could be considered a medical supportive device rather than a restraint (depending on who was doing the deciding about that ...)

[aura_of_laura]

I realize that it's not supposed to be an ironic term, but honestly, how free can one be without the use of one's elbows? You can't get a drink, scratch an itch (unless it hits midthigh), or do much of anything else. Plus, I can't see how it would prevent pulling out an IV - try it, you can still reach a peripheral site just fine. Definitely a restraint (unless there's a medical necessity for having immobilized elbows), and kind of a silly one at that.

[travel nurse2009]

make sure you are familiar with the restraint policy for the particular instituion you work at.always go by policy.

[elkpark]

I realize that it's not supposed to be an ironic term, but honestly, how free can one be without the use of one's elbows? You can't get a drink, scratch an itch (unless it hits midthigh), or do much of anything else. Plus, I can't see how it would prevent pulling out an IV - try it, you can still reach a peripheral site just fine. Definitely a restraint (unless there's a medical necessity for having immobilized elbows), and kind of a silly one at that.

I hear what you're saying, and I'm not trying to be argumentative or anything :), but you are a heck of a lot freer with your elbows immobilized (only) than you are strapped down to a bed. As restrictive interventions go, it's not v. restrictive. :)