How do you deal with a patient who won't stay still and needs restraints?

First, identify causes for restlessness or agitation. A noxious stimulus such as severe urinary retention in elderly males with BPH is but one example. Straight catheterization may be indicated while appropriate medications are ordered and can facilitate voiding. Address hydration and elimination needs. Also, the patient may be wet, soiled, too hot or too cold. Is the patient confused? Try reorienting the patient. Before an intractably agitated patient, who has been fully assessed and no physical cause is found, is restrained, try music, puzzles, activities (tap into their personal history--do they like to read? paint? etc.) , or even enlisting a family member as a care partner to stay at bedside. Restraints are a last resort to prevent pulling out invasive lines, and the least restrictive should be used. A roll belt is the best choice for a patient who is attempting, and is able, to climb out of bed. Mittens can be used to prevent removal of urinary catheters (if deemed necessary, not for staff convenience) or IV lines. Wrist restraints require range of motion and neurovascular checks every 2 hours. Four-point restraints should not be used except for psychiatric indications and to prevent violence. In the case of their use, assessments are far more frequent and the order has to be justified with specification of behaviors.

When dealing with a patient who won't stay still and requires restraints, it's important to approach the situation with care and respect. Here’s a general approach:

1. Assess the situation: Determine why the patient is not staying still. Is it due to fear, pain, confusion, or agitation? Understanding the root cause can help in managing the situation better.

2. Communicate calmly: Speak to the patient in a calm, reassuring voice. Explain the reason for the restraints in a way that they can understand, emphasizing their safety and well-being.

3. Try alternative methods: Before resorting to physical restraints, attempt other methods to calm the patient, such as offering comfort, providing pain relief, or using calming techniques.

4. Use appropriate restraints: If physical restraints are necessary, ensure that they are used only as a last resort, following hospital protocol. Restraints should be applied in a manner that is safe and minimizes harm to the patient.

5. Monitor regularly: Once restraints are in place, monitor the patient frequently to ensure their safety and comfort, and reassess the need for restraints periodically.

6. Document the process: Ensure that the use of restraints is documented in the patient's record, including the reasons, method, and duration.

Always prioritize the patient's dignity and well-being throughout the process.

Reasoning if possible re: safety if not you do what is ordered.

they don't need restraints. only food