When placing wrist restraints on a patient, where should the padded areas be positioned?

The correct placement of the padded areas of wrist restraints is critical for patient safety and comfort. Positioning the padded areas on bony prominences is essential to prevent pressure ulcers, which can occur when sustained pressure is placed on any part of the body, particularly over bony areas. By placing the padding over these prominences, healthcare providers can help alleviate potential pressure points that could lead to skin breakdown and discomfort.

Using wrist restraints properly involves not only ensuring that the restraints are secure but also that they do not cause harm. Bony prominences, such as the outer part of the wrist or the area near the elbow, are more susceptible to developing pressure ulcers if restraining devices are applied without padding. Therefore, ensuring that the padded areas are correctly positioned in this manner is a key aspect of safe restraint practices in clinical settings.

Other options, such as positioning the padded areas on the wrist joints or the soft flesh of the wrist, do not adequately address the need to protect vulnerable areas from pressure injury. Placing padding on the forearms also does not target the bony areas effectively as wrist restraints are intended to control movement at the wrist, where proper padding is crucial.