e unit on a daily basis.Some of the reasons nurses restrain patients are to prevent them from harming themselves or others, to help maintain treatment plans, and to control confused or agitated patients (Stratmann, Vinson, Magee and Hardin, 1997). The most frequently used restraints are vests, wrist, belts/ties, mitten and ankle, in that order (Stratmann et al., 1997). Many research studies currently taking place are focused towards discovering alternatives to restraints. Identifying successful alternatives to restraints and educating nurses about alternatives has helped in reducing the use of restraints (Winston, Morelli, Bramble, Friday and Sanders, 1999; Weeks, 1997). There are times, however, when restraints are needed to protect patients (Richman, 1998; Dibartolo, 1998). Restraints would be indicated for an intubated patient who keeps pulling out his endotracheal tube. In such cases, failing to use restraints could result in a claim or lawsuit being brought on for negligence (Richman, 1998).In 1992, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning on restraints because of the nearly 300 deaths and injuries related to restraint use occurring each year (Janelli, 1995). Problems identified by the FDA included inappropriate restraint selection, errors in applying devices, and inadequate monitoring of the restrained patient (Janelli, 1995).Improperly tying restraints can turn into a serious safety issue. When a patient is in a medical emergency and needs to be quickly moved, not being able to remove the restraints quickly, can delay proper treatment. If the hospital or the unit experiences a situation, Patient Restraint4such as a fire, in which the health care team needs to move patients quickly out of harm, improperly tied restraints can become a serious threat to the life and safety of the restrained patient. Incorrect use of a restraint device has led to fractures, burns, and strangulations in the past (Janelli, 1995). Th...
