What is the appropriate action for a nurse when applying wrist restraints to a client?

Padding the client’s wrist before applying restraints is a crucial step in ensuring their safety and comfort. This practice helps prevent skin breakdown or injury caused by the restraints. Restraints can apply pressure directly on the skin, leading to abrasions, bruises, or even nerve damage if not cushioned appropriately. By placing padding around the wrist, the nurse actively reduces the risk of physical harm and promotes a more humane approach to restraint usage, aligning with best practices in patient care.

In addition to protection, padding is a part of a comprehensive restraint protocol which emphasizes the least restrictive means necessary to ensure the safety of clients while respecting their dignity. This approach is particularly important in maintaining trust and a therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the patient.