What is a consequence of using restraints incorrectly?

Using restraints incorrectly can significantly heighten the risk of injury for patients. Restraints are designed to prevent harm to the patient or others, but when applied improperly, they can lead to physical injuries such as bruising, fractures, or even more severe consequences like asphyxiation. Incorrect use may also contribute to psychological harm, including feelings of humiliation or loss of autonomy, which can exacerbate a patient's condition or lead to behavioral issues.

Improper use of restraints can result in a loss of trust between patients and caregivers, as the patient may feel frightened or powerless, which is why the idea of enhanced patient trust is not applicable. Additionally, while restraints might seem to improve compliance or control behavior in the short term, these aspects do not address the underlying issues and may result in negative outcomes overall. Thus, the key consequence of using restraints incorrectly is the increased risk of injury to the patient.