A nurse is preparing an in-service presentation for a group of newly licensed nurses about the use of restraints. Which of the following should the nurse include as a criterion for applying restraints?

A. The provider must renew a restraint prescription every 8 hr: For adult clients, restraint prescriptions must be renewed every 24 hours, not 8. More frequent review is required in certain populations, such as children. B. The client must understand the need for the restraints: While it is important to explain restraints to clients when possible, understanding is not a criterion for their application. Clients who are confused or agitated may not comprehend the explanation but may still require restraints for safety. C. The nurse has already considered alternatives to restraints: Restraints should only be used as a last resort after less restrictive measures, such as reorientation, diversional activities, or closer observation, have been tried and found ineffective. D. The restraints should promote the client's safety and prevent injuries: While safety is the overall goal, this is a general principle rather than a specific criterion for use. The actual requirement is that all other alternatives are exhausted before restraints are applied.