BJC Patient Care Technicians (PCT) Academy Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Restraints are used only when a patient poses an immediate safety risk and must have a physician or licensed practitioner’s order. That order confirms the need, names the type of restraint, and specifies how long it can be used and what monitoring is required. Because restraints carry significant risk of injury and harm, the decision to use them is medically reviewed and regularly reassessed, with the goal of removing them as soon as it’s safe.

In emergencies, a nurse cannot apply restraints indefinitely without an order—they must obtain approval as quickly as possible and follow facility policies for temporary use, monitoring, and documentation. Restraints require ongoing monitoring, including assessments of circulation, skin integrity, and the patient’s comfort and safety, plus routine vital signs and neurovascular checks. There is no universal minimum duration like four hours; the allowed time is determined by the order and facility policy and is typically reviewed and shortened as soon as possible.