Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

When can restraints be applied according to nursing guidelines?

1. At the nurse's discretion

2. Only during emergencies

3. Only with doctor's order

4. As needed for safety

The correct answer is: Only with doctor's order

Restraints must always be applied in accordance with established guidelines and regulations to ensure patient safety and dignity. Applying restraints requires a physician's order, which helps ensure that restraints are used appropriately and that less restrictive alternatives have been considered and deemed insufficient. The involvement of a physician is crucial as it provides a medical rationale for the use of restraints, ideally based on a thorough assessment of the patient's condition. In cases where restraints may be necessary for safety, such as preventing self-harm or harm to others, obtaining a doctor’s order prior to implementation reinforces the importance of both clinical judgment and legal compliance. This process also involves regular reassessment of the patient's need for restraints, reinforcing that they should not be used as a first-line solution but rather a last resort after all other options have been explored. Additionally, while nurses play a critical role in patient care, allowing restraints at a nurse's discretion or at any moment may lead to misuse and abuse, potentially compromising patient autonomy and well-being. Restraints applied during emergencies would still necessitate a subsequent physician's order to ensure ongoing evaluation of the patient’s needs. Hence, adherence to a doctor's order is a fundamental principle in the safe application of restraints in nursing practice.