A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who was placed in mechanical restraints due to physical violence. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Offer the client fluids and toileting every 15 min: While regular offering of fluids and toileting is essential, the standard protocol is typically every 2 hours not every 15 minutes unless otherwise indicated. Overly frequent checks may not be feasible or necessary unless clinically justified. B. Obtain a prescription before removing the restraints: Mechanical restraints are considered a restrictive intervention and require a physician's order for both application and removal. This ensures medical oversight and client safety. C. Ensure the restraints are removed from the client within 6 hr: Time limits for restraints depend on the client’s age. For adults, a new order must be obtained every 4 hours, not 6. For children and adolescents (9-17 years), it's 2 hours, and for children under 9 years, it's 1 hour. D. Place the client in prone position on a soft mattress: Prone restraint positions are not safe and are strongly discouraged due to risk of asphyxiation or injury. Restraints should always allow for safe positioning, typically with the client in a supine or semi-Fowler’s position.