What is the purpose of using restraints on a patient?

The primary purpose of using restraints on a patient is to prevent injury to the patient or others. In healthcare settings, restraints are considered a measure of last resort, employed only when necessary to ensure safety. This is particularly relevant in situations where a patient may be at risk of harming themselves or others due to overwhelming agitation, confusion, or a medical condition that impairs judgment and behavior.

Restraints must be used in accordance with established guidelines and regulations, emphasizing that they should be the least restrictive option available to maintain safety while considering the patient's dignity and autonomy. It is crucial for healthcare providers to continually assess and monitor the patient's condition and to seek alternative interventions whenever possible.

Other options suggest motives or methods that do not align with ethical clinical practices. For example, using restraints as punishment or to make a patient more comfortable diverges from the core intent of promoting safety and wellbeing. Restricting movement solely for medication administration does not align with best practices, which prioritize patient cooperation and comfort during treatments. Thus, the focus must remain on ensuring safety and reducing risk, which is the legitimate justification for any use of restraints.