Patient safety

How to use restraints safely

Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.

Nursing (NCLEX)
Practice it in VR with Blocky

Restraints can cause injury, pressure sores and even death. They are a last resort, used only to keep the patient or others safe.

Step by step

  1. Try alternatives first

    Treat pain, reorient, involve family, use a sitter and remove irritating lines when possible. [1]

  2. Get an order

    Restraints need a provider order with the reason and time limit. Renew per policy and law; no PRN orders. [1]

  3. Use the least restrictive type

    Choose the mildest option that keeps the patient safe, such as mitts before wrist restraints. [1]

  4. Apply correctly

    Use a quick-release knot tied to the bed frame, not the side rail. Leave room for two fingers under the strap. [2]

  5. Monitor often

    Check circulation, skin, breathing, hydration, toileting and mental status at the intervals your policy sets. [1]

  6. Release and reassess

    Remove restraints as soon as the patient is safe. Reassess the need each time you check. [1]

  7. Document the care

    Record the reason, alternatives tried, type used, checks done and patient response. [3]

Common errors

Practice it in VMS

In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.

VMS cases that train this skill

Sources

  1. Open RN, Nursing Fundamentals 2e (CC BY 4.0)
  2. Open RN, Nursing Skills 2e (Chippewa Valley Technical College) (CC BY 4.0)
  3. NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan
  4. The Joint Commission, National Patient Safety Goals

Facts and steps follow The Joint Commission, National Patient Safety Goals. VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.