A client has soft wrist restraints in place. Which action should the UAP take?

A client has soft wrist restraints in place. Which action should the UAP take?

• A. Reapply wrist restraints
• B. Report any changes in skin around the restraints to the nurse
• C. Remove restraints on request
• D. Adjust restraints whenever patient requests

Answer: (B)

The key idea is safety and skin integrity monitoring with restraints. Even soft restraints can cause pressure, friction, or impaired circulation, leading to skin breakdown if not checked. The UAP should report any changes in the skin around the restraints to the nurse so the nurse can assess for potential injury, adjust the restraints, or decide on removal if appropriate. Reapplying, removing, or adjusting restraints generally requires a nurse’s order and assessment; doing these actions without authorization can jeopardize safety. So reporting skin changes to the nurse is the correct course of action.

The key idea is safety and skin integrity monitoring with restraints. Even soft restraints can cause pressure, friction, or impaired circulation, leading to skin breakdown if not checked. The UAP should report any changes in the skin around the restraints to the nurse so the nurse can assess for potential injury, adjust the restraints, or decide on removal if appropriate. Reapplying, removing, or adjusting restraints generally requires a nurse’s order and assessment; doing these actions without authorization can jeopardize safety. So reporting skin changes to the nurse is the correct course of action.