Which statement reflects the effect of restraining a confused patient?

Which statement reflects the effect of restraining a confused patient?

• A. It will always calm the patient immediately.
• B. It tends to increase agitation.
• C. It reduces the need for family involvement.
• D. It eliminates risk of injury.

Answer: (B)

Restraining a confused patient tends to increase agitation. When a person who is disoriented is physically restrained, it can feel like a threat and a loss of control, triggering fear and a fight-or-flight response. The added sensation of confinement, discomfort, and reduced ability to communicate can escalate confusion and resistance, making agitation worse rather than better. This approach also introduces safety risks—injuries from struggling, poor circulation, skin breakdown, and longer periods of immobility—which can further heighten distress. Restraints are not a guaranteed or immediate calming measure, and they do not eliminate the need for careful, ongoing assessment, de-escalation, and involvement of family or support people when appropriate. They should be used only as a last resort and with strict monitoring and policy adherence.

Restraining a confused patient tends to increase agitation. When a person who is disoriented is physically restrained, it can feel like a threat and a loss of control, triggering fear and a fight-or-flight response. The added sensation of confinement, discomfort, and reduced ability to communicate can escalate confusion and resistance, making agitation worse rather than better. This approach also introduces safety risks—injuries from struggling, poor circulation, skin breakdown, and longer periods of immobility—which can further heighten distress.

Restraints are not a guaranteed or immediate calming measure, and they do not eliminate the need for careful, ongoing assessment, de-escalation, and involvement of family or support people when appropriate. They should be used only as a last resort and with strict monitoring and policy adherence.