A new nurse attends a risk management class on the indications and legal implications of using chemical restraints to maintain client safety. Which prescription should the nurse question before administering?

Question

A new nurse attends a risk management class on the indications and legal implications of using chemical restraints to maintain client safety.  Which prescription should the nurse question before administering?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chemical restraints are medications (eg, benzodiazepines, psychotropics) used to restrict freedom of movement or to control socially disruptive behavior in clients who have no medical indications for them. Although this client is at risk of injury from falling, the use of a psychotropic drug is not considered the standard treatment for a client with a history of falls who keeps getting out of bed without assistance. The least restrictive method to ensure client safety (eg, bed alarm, sitter, assistive devices) should be tried first before administering a chemical restraint. Therefore, the nurse should question the prescription for haloperidol (Haldol) in this client (Option A). (Option B) Benzodiazepines (eg, lorazepam [Ativan], diazepam, chlordiazepoxide) are considered standard treatment to control agitation in the client in alcohol withdrawal. (Option C) Antipsychotics (eg, olanzapine [Zyprexa], ziprasidone [Geodon], haloperidol) are considered standard treatment to control violent behavior in the client with schizophrenia. (Option D) Propofol (Diprivan) is considered standard treatment to sedate the client receiving mechanical ventilation to provide ventilator control, prevent accidental extubation, and promote comfort. Educational objective: Medications that are standard treatments for specific conditions (eg, alcohol withdrawal, schizophrenia, mechanical ventilation) are not considered chemical restraints. The nurse should question a chemical restraint prescription that may not be medically necessary for a client's safety.

A New Nurse Attends a Risk Management Class on the Indications