CNA Restraint Use and Alternatives to Restraints

Question 1

Under federal OBRA regulations, a physical restraint may only be applied to a resident when:

Accepted Answer

It is ordered by a physician and used as a last resort after alternatives have failed

Answer

The nurse aide believes the resident is a fall risk

Answer

The resident's family requests it for safety

Answer

The facility is short-staffed and cannot monitor the resident closely

Question 2

A resident is in a vest restraint. How often should the nurse aide check on and release the restraint according to standard practice?

Accepted Answer

At least every two hours, with repositioning and range of motion offered

Answer

Once per shift

Answer

Only when the resident calls for help

Answer

Every 15 minutes

Question 3

Which of the following is considered an alternative to physical restraints that the care team should attempt first?

Accepted Answer

Placing the resident in a low bed with floor mats and a bed alarm

Answer

Tying the resident's hands together to prevent removal of tubes

Answer

Locking the resident's wheelchair wheels at all times

Answer

Removing the call light so the resident does not try to get up independently

Question 4

A nurse aide ties a bed sheet across a resident's lap to prevent her from sliding out of the wheelchair without a physician order. This is:

Accepted Answer

A form of illegal physical restraint that must be reported

Answer

Acceptable because the aide is acting in the resident's best interest

Answer

Acceptable if the family has verbally agreed

Answer

Acceptable as long as the aide checks on the resident every hour

Question 5

While a resident is in a torso restraint, the nurse aide observes the resident is struggling to breathe. The nurse aide should:

Accepted Answer

Remove or loosen the restraint immediately and call the nurse

Answer

Document the observation and report it at the end of the shift

Answer

Tighten the restraint so the resident cannot struggle as much

Answer

Ask the resident to calm down and breathe slowly

Question 6

Which of the following statements about side rails on a resident's bed is correct?

Accepted Answer

Side rails raised to prevent a resident from getting out of bed can be considered a physical restraint

Answer

Raising all four side rails on a full bed is a routine safety measure with no regulatory concern

Answer

Side rails are never considered restraints as long as a doctor orders them

Answer

Side rails may be raised at any time without documentation if the resident seems confused