Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-In-One Guide to Exam Success!

Before a restraint can be applied to a patient legally, written consent is required. This is essential because restraints are considered a significant intervention that can affect a patient's autonomy and safety. The use of restraints must follow strict legal and ethical guidelines, as they can pose risks of injury and psychological distress.

Obtaining written consent ensures that the patient or their legal representative fully understands the reason for the restraint, the potential consequences, and the duration of its use. This not only protects the patient's rights but also safeguards healthcare providers from legal implications associated with restraining a patient without proper authorization.

While verbal agreement, daily observation, and hospital policy documentation may be part of the overall process in managing restraints, they do not replace the necessity of obtaining written consent, which establishes clear communication and mutual understanding between the healthcare providers and the patient or their family.