Q: Physical restraints in delirious patients decrease overall mortality by decreasing self-harm? (select one)
A) True
B) False
Answer: B
This question's objective is to highlight the dangers of physical restraints, which are still frequently used in in-patient settings, including ICUs.
Physical restraints should be used ONLY ONLY ONLY as a last resort - and AS BRIEFLY AS POSSIBLE.
Not only this inhuman mode increase agitation, loss of mobility, pressure ulcers, and aspiration, but it also increases the odds of persistent delirium at hospital discharge by three folds.
#neurology
Reference:
Inouye SK, Zhang Y, Jones RN, et al. Risk factors for delirium at discharge: development and validation of a predictive model. Arch Intern Med 2007; 167:1406.
Restraints are critically important in ICUs to prevent self extubation, removal of lines, etc. If this is stressful to the patient, they should be properly sedated. The danger of giving an uncooperative patient access to their own life-saving equipment is huge. Hospital won't pay to have a 24/7 1:1 sitter.
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