Do physical restraints prevent patients from removing invasive therapeutic devices?

Many critical care nurses have cared for patients who have removed invasive therapeutic devices such as endotracheal tubes or intravenous lines despite secure physical restraints. Recently medical and nursing authors have begun to question the effectiveness and appropriateness of physical restraints. Through a literature review, this article explores the question: "Do physical restraints prevent patients from removing invasive therapeutic devices?" and identifies some alternatives to restraints that may be appropriate for use in critical care areas.