Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Related

Review Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions related questions and content

A critically ill patient who is intubated and agitated is restrained with soft wrist restraints. Based on research findings, what is the best nursing action?

  • A. Maintain the restraints to protect patient safety.
  • B. Remove the restraints periodically to check skin integrity.
  • C. Remove the restraints periodically for range of motion.
  • D. Assess and intervene for causes of agitation. Answer Key
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assess and intervene for causes of agitation. In a critically ill patient, agitation while intubated could indicate underlying issues like pain, delirium, or inadequate sedation. By assessing and addressing the root cause of agitation, the nurse can improve patient comfort and prevent potential harm from restraints. Removing restraints periodically for skin integrity (B) and range of motion (C) is important but should not be the primary focus when agitation is present. Maintaining restraints (A) without addressing the agitation could lead to increased distress and potential complications.