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Restrained patients: an important issue for critical care nursing
Y K Scherer1, L M Janelli, Y W Wu
1School of Nursing, State University of New York, Buffalo 14214.
Heart & Lung : the Journal of Critical Care
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Acute-critical care nurses generally use physical restraints appropriately, prioritizing alternative measures. However, understaffing increases restraint use, and nurses prefer sedation over restraints when possible.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Practice
- Patient Safety
- Critical Care
Background:
- Physical restraints are utilized in acute-critical care settings.
- Understanding nurses' practices and attitudes is crucial for patient safety and care quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the current practices and attitudes of acute-critical care nurses regarding the use of physical restraints.
Main Methods:
- A survey utilizing a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was distributed.
- 235 acute-critical care nurses from 17 states participated.
- Data collected included demographics, professional characteristics, nursing practice, and attitudes toward restraints.
Main Results:
- 78% of nurses always attempt alternative measures before applying restraints.
- Understaffing correlated with increased reliance on restraints.
- 38% of nurses preferred sedation over physical restraints.
- Nurses' attitudes toward restraints were generally positive, with 62% agreeing that restraints diminish patient dignity.
Conclusions:
- Nursing practices and attitudes align with accepted standards for physical restraint use.
- Further research is needed, particularly on alternative measures to physical restraints.