According to best practices in stress management and patient care, which principle should guide the use of restraints in a clinical setting?

• A. Restraints should be applied without considering alternative methods.
• B. Physical restraints should be used as the first option to ensure immediate control.
• C. The least restrictive methods should always be considered first before using more restrictive restraints.
• D. Chemical restraints are preferred over any other intervention.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the ethical and clinical principles guiding the use of restraints in patient care, which prioritize patient safety, dignity, and autonomy.
2. Step 2: Recognize that best practices emphasize using the least restrictive method possible to manage a patient's behavior or ensure safety, minimizing harm and preserving patient rights.
3. Step 3: Identify that before applying any physical or chemical restraints, healthcare providers should explore and attempt alternative, less restrictive interventions such as verbal de-escalation or environmental modifications.
4. Step 4: Acknowledge that physical restraints should never be the first option and should only be used when absolutely necessary, after other methods have failed or are deemed inappropriate.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the guiding principle is to always consider and apply the least restrictive method first, reserving more restrictive interventions like physical or chemical restraints as a last resort.