The care team has deemed the occasional use of restraints necessary in the care of a patient with Alzheimer's disease. What ethical violation is most often posed when using restraints in a long-term care setting?
A) It limits the patient's personal safety.
B) It exacerbates the patient's disease process.
C) It threatens the patient's autonomy.
D) It is not normally legal.
Ans: C
Feedback:
Because safety risks are involved when using restraints on elderly confused patients, this is a common ethical problem, especially in long-term care settings. By definition, restraints limit the individual's autonomy. Restraints are not without risks, but they should not normally limit a patient's safety. Restraints will not affect the course of the patient's underlying disease process, though they may exacerbate confusion. The use of restraints is closely legislated, but they are not illegal.
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