How often should restraints be reevaluated in a patient?

• A. Every 2 hours
• B. Every 12 hours
• C. Every 24 hours
• D. Every 72 hours

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that the continued use of restraints must be regularly reconsidered and authorized anew to ensure they’re still necessary and used in the least restrictive way. In most clinical settings, the order for restraints is reviewed and renewed by a licensed practitioner every 24 hours. This daily reevaluation allows the care team to account for any changes in the patient’s condition, risk level, or behavior and to confirm that no safer alternatives are available. While ongoing safety checks are performed frequently—usually about every 2 hours—to monitor skin integrity, circulation, comfort, and to provide opportunities for releasing the restraint for care, the formal renewal happens once per day. If assessments show the restraint is no longer needed, it should be removed promptly.