Precautions for using restraint belts

Restraint belts have a certain protective effect on patients when used. Many patients with mental illnesses will experience self-harm, suicide, or irritability when they become ill. When patients experience such phenomena, they are prone to do more extreme things. Before using restraints on a patient, it is necessary to communicate with the patient's family, and restraints can only be used on the patient with the consent of the patient's family.

Precautions for using restraint belts

1. The drug should be explained clearly to the patient and family members before use, and should be avoided as much as possible if it is not necessary.

2. Protective braking measures should only be used for a short period of time. At the same time, attention should be paid to the patient's lying comfort and the body position should be changed frequently.

3. The restrained parts should be padded, the restraint belt should be of appropriate tightness and relaxed regularly, and the area should be massaged to promote blood circulation.

5. The patient's limbs should be placed in a functional position when restraining.

6. When using a restraint belt, a pad should be placed under the belt and the belt should be fixed with appropriate tightness, with the tightness being such that 1 to 2 fingers can be inserted. Pay attention to observing the blood circulation of the restrained parts every 15 to 30 minutes, including skin color, temperature, activity and feeling, etc.; loosen the restraints regularly every 2 hours, change the patient's posture, and give restrained limb exercises. If necessary, perform local massage to promote blood circulation.

7. Record the reasons and time for using protective gear, the results of each observation, the corresponding care measures, and the time for releasing the restraints.

What is a restraint belt?

Restraint belts can control the occurrence of dangerous behaviors of patients (such as suicide, self-harm, extreme excitement and impulse, and obvious aggressive behavior) and prevent patients from harming others or themselves. Prevent children, patients with high fever, delirium, coma, agitation and critically ill patients from falling out of bed, being hit, scratched, etc. due to weakness, unconsciousness or other reasons, ensure the safety of patients, and ensure the smooth progress of treatment and care.

How to use the restraint belt

1. First, assess the patient's condition, age, state of consciousness, vital signs, and limb mobility, as well as any skin friction damage and blood circulation disorders.

2. Explain to the patient or family members the purpose, time of use, method and precautions of using the restraint belt, and try to obtain the cooperation of the patient or family members.

3. Select the restraint site according to the patient's condition. Commonly used restraint sites are wrists and ankle joints.

4. Use the prepared restraint belt to go around the middle and fold it in half to form a double knot. If necessary, the knot can be wrapped with the patient's sleeve or cotton pad. Slightly tighten the knot at the restraint part with appropriate tightness, so that 1-2 fingers can be inserted to avoid affecting blood circulation. Tie a knot to prevent the hands and feet from falling out easily, and fix the restraint belt to the bed.

The restraint area is at the shoulder: it mainly restricts the patient from sitting up. At the knee: restrict the patient's lower extremity movement.