Let’s talk about something that’s not exactly fun, but definitely test-worthy and super important in practice: the different types of restraints in nursing.
In this post, we’ll review the main types of restraints, go over memory tricks to help you recall them during the exam, and break down a sample NCLEX-style question to test your knowledge. Let’s get started!
Prefer to watch? Check out this video on the Blueprint Nursing YouTube channel!
First Things First: What Are Restraints in Nursing?
A restraint is any method—physical or chemical—that restricts a patient’s freedom of movement. It can only be used when necessary for the safety of the patient or others, and only after less invasive interventions have failed.
Here are the main (physical) types of restraints in nursing you’ll need to recognize for the NCLEX—and for real-life clinical scenarios too:
🔒 Belt or Body Restraint
This type of restraint wraps around the patient’s waist and attaches to the bed or chair, allowing the patient to sit or lie down. If applied incorrectly, the belt can ride up to the chest and interfere with breathing—so placement and monitoring are critical.
💪 Elbow Immobilizer
An elbow immobilizer is a padded sleeve that fits over the elbow, preventing the patient from bending their arm. These are often used to protect IV sites, feeding tubes, or surgical incisions. Because they limit movement but not necessarily hand use, they’re considered less restrictive than other options.
✋ Mitten Restraint
This soft restraint fits over the hand like a mitten, with padding in the palm and mesh on top. It allows limited finger movement and prevents the patient from grabbing or removing medical devices like tubes or catheters.
🦶 Soft Limb Restraint
Usually applied to wrists or ankles, this restraint is a padded cuff secured with Velcro. It must be tied with a quick-release knot and attached to the bed frame (not the side rail) to prevent injury when the bed is adjusted.
These are physical restraints, but remember, chemical restraints (like sedatives given specifically to control behavior) are also part of this category. The NCLEX often emphasizes least-restrictive interventions first, so expect questions that ask you to prioritize safety measures accordingly.
How to Remember the Types of Restraints in Nursing
Here are a few tricks to help you keep the types straight when you’re deep into an NCLEX study session:
🧩 Mnemonic: BEMS
Think: “Be Extra Mindful, Safety!”
- Belt
- Elbow immobilizer
- Mitten
- Soft limb
👁️ Visualization
Imagine a patient in bed:
- A belt is keeping them secure at the waist.
- Their elbows are in padded sleeves to protect an IV.
- They’re wearing mittens to stop them from grabbing anything.
- Their wrists or ankles are softly restrained for safety.
When Can You Use Restraints?
🪜 Least-to-Most Invasive Ladder
The NCLEX loves asking you to prioritize. So here’s your golden rule: Try everything else before touching a restraint.
Start with:
- Distraction / diversional activities
- Remove environmental triggers
- Use a sitter
- Try de-escalation techniques
- Apply restraints as a last resort
Let’s try some examples:
Okay to use if:
- The patient is aggressive or violent and might hurt themselves or others
- They’re trying to pull out lines, tubes, or drains
- They’re confused and doing unsafe things
- They’re going through a medical procedure that needs limited movement
Not okay if:
- They’re “just” a fall risk and you haven’t tried other interventions first
- You’re using them for convenience (BIG no-no)
- There’s no provider order or ongoing assessment plan
Always think: “Is this necessary, or is there a better option?”
Tips for Using Restraints in Nursing
So your patient’s in restraints. Now what? Here’s what you need to do (and what the NCLEX might quiz you on):
- Monitor frequently:
- Every 15 minutes for violent patients
- Every 2 hours for non-violent patients
- Check the basics:
- Vital signs
- Skin integrity under the restraint
- Circulation, sensation, range of motion
- Bathroom, food, water, hygiene needs
Behavior changes
- Get a provider order: Needs to be renewed every 24 hours.
- Document everything. (Seriously, everything.)
- Educate the patient and family.
And don’t forget to create a chill, safe environment. Orientation + comfort = lower stress for everyone involved.
🚩 Red Flags & Complications to Watch For
Restraints can go wrong fast. Here’s what to look out for:
- Physical injuries: From tight cuffs, poor circulation, or lack of movement
- Skin breakdown
- Emotional trauma: Patients may feel anxious, humiliated, or depressed
- Power imbalance: Never forget—you’re in a position of power. Use that power responsibly.
If you see anything that feels off, advocate for your patient. Know the chain of command, and speak up.
NCLEX Practice Question
Q: A nurse and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are caring for a client in restraints. Which of the following is inappropriate for the nurse to delegate to the UAP?
A. Assessing the skin under the restraint
B. Assisting the client with voiding
C. Releasing a soft limb restraint for range-of-motion exercises
D. Repositioning the client every two hours
Answer: A.
UAPs can help with hygiene, mobility, and ROM—but assessments are always a nurse’s job. Skin checks are your responsibility.
Check out this other blog post for a full breakdown on the different types of NGN questions!
Final Takeaways
So let’s wrap it up. Here’s what you really need to remember about the types of restraints in nursing:
- There are four major physical types: belt, elbow, mitten, and soft limb.
- Use restraints only as a last resort. Try everything else first.
- Always follow facility policies, document diligently, and monitor closely.
- Be mindful of the emotional and physical impact restraints can have.
- Most importantly, the goal of restraints is to get them off ASAP.
Keep Studying With Us!
Want more nursing content that’s actually fun to learn? Meet Blueprint’s new Complete Self-Prep Package with 23 hours of video lessons, 2,000 Qbank questions, personalized study planner, and more.🤩 Get it for FREE for 60 days!
And for even more tips, check out these other posts on the blog!
