An elderly patient must be physically restrained. Who is responsible for the patient’s safety?

Choice A reason: The registered nurse holds the ultimate legal and professional accountability for the patient's safety and the ongoing monitoring of restrained individuals. This includes regular assessment of neurovascular status, skin integrity, and the continued necessity of the restraint, regardless of who physically applied the device or who ordered it. Choice B reason: Unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) may assist in the application of restraints under the direction of a nurse, but they do not hold the professional responsibility for the clinical decision-making or the comprehensive safety assessments required by hospital policy and legal standards of care. Choice C reason: While the health care provider (physician or NP) is responsible for providing the legal order and justifying the medical necessity of the restraint, they are not present for the continuous bedside monitoring. The provider relies on the nursing staff to ensure safe implementation and monitoring. Choice D reason: Family members may provide consent for a treatment plan, but they have no professional or legal responsibility for the patient's physical safety or the clinical management of restraints. Responsibility for safety cannot be delegated to non-medical personnel or family members in a clinical setting.