Limb restraint

A limb restraint is a medical restraint that is applied to the arm or leg of a patient to prevent the patient from causing harm to him/herself or others. The device consists of a cuff that is wrapped around the patient's wrist or ankle, and straps that are tied to the side of the patient's bed or chair [http://books.google.com/books?id=CzVIWyWga-MC&pg=PA772&lpg=PA772&dq=limb+restraint&source=web&ots=ECfmqY-3On&sig=pQpyc8wkpBUo84lkDxq2ZVLmZtk&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result] .

Limb restraints are often used on a combative or disoriented patient who is using his/her arms or legs to strike at staff or others, to pull important medical apparatus, such as an IV tube or catheter, out of one's body [http://books.google.com/books?id=iytW4k9hQ6sC&pg=PA512&lpg=PA512&dq=limb+restraint&source=web&ots=cs9M6ZuAyp&sig=Hu6H3H18aCl4-AuvfAlQLmf6ZDY&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=7&ct=result] , or to otherwise interfere with one's care. Arm restraints also become necessary when a patient must lie on his/her back at all times.

Patients who may come in need of limb restraints include those who have suffered a head injury, have been under anesthesia for a long period of time, or those suffering from mental illness, dementia, or side effects from their treatment.

Use of limb restraints on both arms and legs at once is known as a four-point restraint. Its use is limited to absolute necessity, as this heavily restricts the movement of the patient, and may render the patient helpless when s/he needs to move in an emergency. Many facilities will hire a companion to watch a patient who is placed under four-point restraint.

Leather restraints

Leather restraints are used for strong patients for whom soft restraints fail to prevent escape. They can be applied around the waist, or to individual limbs.

ee also

*Posey vest

References