A nurse is reviewing treatment alternatives for managing a client's behavior. The nurse should identify that which of the following examples describes the least restrictive alternative?
Explanation & Rationale
A. An adult client is confined with physical restraints after throwing chairs at other clients and staff. Physical restraints are highly restrictive and should be used as a last resort when safety is at risk. B. An adolescent is taken to a secure, quiet room after threatening and lashing out at other clients and staff. Seclusion is restrictive but less so than physical restraints; however, other interventions should be attempted first. C. An 8-year-old child is asked to return to their room after yelling at other children during a group therapy session. This is the least restrictive intervention, as it involves verbal redirection rather than confinement or medication. D. An adult client is given clozapine, an antipsychotic medication, after punching a wall with their fist and telling everyone that they intend to hurt them. Medication can be restrictive when used for behavior control rather than for medical necessity.