When are physical restraints used?

• A. To control aggressive behavior toward others
• B. To prevent self-harm as a last resort
• C. To calm the patient
• D. For routine observation

Answer: (B)

Restraints are a safety measure reserved for when there is imminent danger of self-harm or harm to others and only after less restrictive options have been tried and failed. The goal is to protect the person from serious injury while using the least restrictive approach possible, and to remove the restraint as soon as it is safe to do so. In practice, this means any use is tightly governed: it requires a clinician’s order, continuous monitoring, time-limited application, thorough documentation, and debriefing afterward.

This is why the option describing preventing self-harm as a last resort fits best. Restraints are not intended to calm a person, control aggression as a routine practice, or serve as routine observation. Those goals can typically be addressed with de-escalation, supportive care, staff presence, and non-restrictive supervision.