Restraints on Patients

At what point does the application of restraints become cruelty? The application of restraints can become cruelty when the restraints can be placed on the patient incorrectly, meaning that the health care professional could purposely tighten the restraint so that it would cut off circulation throughout the patient’s body and a side effect would be bruising and possible health conditions could develop such as bed sores and other infections. If the health care provider were to totally ignore her or his patient that was restrained all day or throughout her or his shift, she or he would be neglecting her or his patient since as a human being he would need to eat and possibly use the bathroom so, he would need to be released from his restraints to do any of these actions. If the health care professional was being negligent and malfesance then the evidence would be obvious with the patient, left in their bed covered in their urine and feces which is not healthy or sending out a good message on behalf of this health care provider. This would show that the nurse had not checked on their patient throughout their shift and possibly did not care to check on the patient and treat them equally with the best of care. If the health care professional used the opportunity to either verbally or physically abuse their patient while they are literally defenseless, (since the patient is restrained) the professional would be classified as being cruel. Even if there is no physical evidence, if the patient is uncomfortable with the hospital staff because of threats or some form of harassment, then that is also a way of being cruel to ones patients. Therefore, a patient may be afraid to report these incidents since they think if they do, matters may worsen for them in the future by the same health care provider. Moreober, by having ones patient restrained and in their bed all day, unless ordered by the physician, the patient should have times throughout the day when they can stretch and relax without having to be forced to stay in the bed, somewhat enjoying themselves. Overall, the act of being restrained with prolonged usage, unless recommended by the doctor in charge can affect the patients mentality and overall health.