What it means
A legal and ethical principle in nursing and mental health care. Before using restraintrih-STRAYNTAny device, drug or method used to limit a person's movement or behavior that they cannot easily remove or refuse.Full entry or seclusionsih-KLOO-zhunKeeping a client alone in a room, against their will, that they are prevented from leaving.Full entry , staff try less restrictive steps first: talking calmly, removing triggers, redirecting, offering choices or a PRN medicine, or moving the client to a quieter place. Restraints and seclusion are a last resort, used only for immediate danger and only for as long as needed.
For the nurse
Document every less restrictive step you tried and how the client responded. If restraint is needed, follow the order, monitoring and time limits in the facility's policy.
At a glance
| Also written | least restrictive |
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Related terms
autonomy
A person's right to make their own choices about their body and their care.
restraint
Any device, drug or method used to limit a person's movement or behavior that they cannot easily remove or refuse.
seclusion
Keeping a client alone in a room, against their will, that they are prevented from leaving.