The nurse administers an antianxiety (anxiolytic) medication to a client diagnosed with dementia who has been harming himself. When documenting the use of this medication as a restraint, which term is the most appropriate for the nurse to use?

Question

1. Chemical restraint
2. Physical restraint
3. Medication restraint
4. Psychological restraint

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: Administering a medication for the purpose of controlling socially disruptive behavior is a form of chemical restraint.
Rationale 2: Physical restraints are visible appliances applied to the client's body to control behavior.
Rationale 3: Although medications can be used as a form of a restraint, the term medication restraint is not appropriate.
Rationale 4: Psychological restraint is not a form of restraint used in client care.
Global Rationale: Administering a medication for the purpose of controlling socially disruptive behavior is a form of chemical restraint. Physical restraints are visible appliances applied to the client's body to control behavior. Although medications can be used as a form of a restraint, the term medication restraint is not appropriate. Psychological restraint is not a form of restraint used in client care.