18 ideas to reduce need for restraints
Try these alternatives instead of restraint in the ED, recommended by Kathleen Catalano, RN, JD, senior consultant to the Greeley Co., a health care professional consulting firm in Marblehead, MA, specializing in regulatory compliance:
• Provide a quiet environment.
• Provide a clutter-free environment.
• Give simple instructions.
• Limit number of caregivers.
• Give the patient a backrub.
• Speak in a soothing tone.
• Dim the lights.
• Provide a structured approach.
• Move equipment out of patient view.
• Provide a sitter.
• Lower the patient’s bed.
• Play relaxation tapes/music.
• Give the patient picture books.
• Ask a family member to sit with the patient.
• Encourage large muscle activity, if possible.
• Approach in a slow, nonthreatening manner.
• Maintain a calm attitude.
• Have the patient sit in a rocking chair.
Sources
For more information on de-escalating violent patients, contact:
• Carol Buschur, RN, CEN, The University Hospital, 234 Goodman St., Cincinnati, OH 45267. Telephone: (513) 584-3379. Fax: (513) 584-2637. E-mail: [email protected].
• Diane Presley, RN, MSN, Director of Nursing, Emergency Services/Critical Care, Seton Medical Center, 1201 W. 38th St., Austin, TX 78705. Telephone: (512) 324-1031. Fax: (512) 324-1401. E-mail: [email protected].
• Sherlene Stepp, RN, MICN, Clinical Nurse Supervisor III, UCI Medical Center, 101 The City Drive, Route 128, Orange, CA 92868. Telephone: (714) 456-6549. Fax: (714) 456-5390. E-mail: [email protected].
You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
- Award-winning Medical Content
- Latest Advances & Development in Medicine
- Unbiased Content