When should physical restraints be used on a client?

The use of physical restraints on a client should be focused primarily on the safety of both the client and others. This critical principle underscores that restraints are not a tool for convenience or management ease but are instead a last resort when there's a potential risk to safety.

When a client poses a danger to themselves or others, using restraints can be appropriate to prevent harm. It's essential to employ the least restrictive measures first whenever possible, and only escalate to physical restraints when other interventions have failed or are deemed insufficient in preventing harm.

Hospital policies provide guidelines on the use of restraints, but these policies typically emphasize that restraints should not be used simply for the convenience of staff or as a standard practice without a valid safety concern. Therefore, the correct focus is on safety risks rather than administrative convenience or routine control. This approach aligns with ethical practices and regulatory standards in healthcare settings.