North Carolina CNA Written Practice Exam

What is required for the use of any restraints on a resident?

1. Nursing staff approval

2. Family consent

3. A doctor's order

4. Resident agreement

The correct answer is: A doctor's order

The use of restraints on a resident is strictly regulated to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in care settings. A doctor's order is required before any restraints can be applied. This requirement is based on the principle that restraints should only be used as a last resort when less restrictive measures have failed, and when they are deemed necessary for the resident’s safety or the safety of others. A doctor's order involves a professional evaluation of the resident's condition and the specific situation that necessitates the use of restraints, ensuring that they are warranted and appropriate in that context. This process also includes regular review and re-evaluation of the necessity for restraints, highlighting the importance of oversight and accountability in their use. While nursing staff may play a role in monitoring or implementing restraint use, and family consent or resident agreement may be significant in some contexts, these factors do not replace the need for a formal medical order as a safeguard against misuse and to protect residents' rights. Thus, the requirement for a doctor's order is the crucial element governing the use of restraints in healthcare settings.