Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Critical Thinking, Ethical Decision Making and the Nursing Process Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Critical Thinking, Ethical Decision Making and the Nursing Process related questions and content

The care team has deemed the occasional use of restraints necessary in the care of a patient with Alzheimers disease. What ethical violation is most often posed when using restraints in a long-term care setting?

  • A. It limits the patients personal safety.
  • B. It exacerbates the patients disease process.
  • C. It threatens the patients autonomy.
  • D. It is not normally legal.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: 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 individuals autonomy. Restraints are not without risks, but they should not normally limit a patients safety. Restraints will not affect the course of the patients underlying disease process, though they may exacerbate confusion. The use of restraints is closely legislated, but they are not illegal.