Restraint Use in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What are restraints?
Restraints are methods used by trained healthcare providers to stop or limit your child's movement. Restraints may be used without your consent.
Why does my child need restraints?
Restraints may be needed so healthcare providers can safely provide immediate and necessary care. Healthcare providers will try to calm your child before they apply restraints. If your child does not cooperate with healthcare providers, restraints may be needed so they can examine and treat him or her. A child who is violent or agitated may need restraints so that he or she does not harm himself or herself or others. Restraints may also be needed if the child tries to remove lifesaving equipment, such as IVs or breathing tubes.
What types of restraints may be used?
- Physical restraints are devices that limit your child's movement. They include arm, leg, lap, or vest restraints. Bed sheets may be used to swaddle a younger child. Healthcare providers may also hold your child's arms, chest, or legs to keep him or her from moving during certain tests.
- Chemical restraints are medicines used to quickly sedate your child if he or she is violent. These will be given as a pill or an injection.
- Seclusion is placing your child in a room by himself or herself. The room is locked and kept free of items that could cause injury. Healthcare providers will watch your child at all times when he or she is in seclusion.
How will healthcare providers monitor my child while in restraints?
- Vital signs, such as heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure, will be taken often to make sure they are in normal range.
- Your child's physical comfort will also be monitored closely. Healthcare providers will check your child's skin for injury or blood flow problems under the restraints. They will also give your child liquids and take him or her to the bathroom as needed.
- Your child's behavior will also be monitored. Healthcare providers will remove physical restraints or allow your child to leave seclusion as soon as he or she is calm and cooperative.
What are the risks of using restraints?
Your child may become more angry or violent while in restraints or seclusion. He or she may struggle against physical restraints. This can cause skin wounds or block blood flow. It can also increase your child's heart rate and breathing rate. This can be life-threatening.
Chemical restraints can cause low blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, and slow or shallow breathing. This can affect how much oxygen your child gets. Chemical restraints can also cause drooling, shuffled walk, muscle spasms and stiffness, and tremors.Care Agreement
Your child has the right to safe care and to be treated with respect when restraints are used. You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition, how it may be treated, and when restraints may be needed. You can then discuss treatment options with healthcare providers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to best treat your child.The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
