The nurse is assigned to care for a 14-year-old male who has repeatedly ripped out his IV line and attempted to harm himself with various objects found in the room despite a family member sitting at his bedside around the clock. He is placed in wrist restraints that are secured to the bed per physician order. If the current order was written at 1030, at what time that same day does the order expire?

Question

The nurse is assigned to care for a 14-year-old male who has repeatedly ripped out his IV line and attempted to harm himself with various objects found in the room despite a family member sitting at his bedside around the clock. He is placed in wrist restraints that are secured to the bed per physician order.  If the current order was written at 1030, at what time that same day does the order expire?

Accepted Answer

1230. Per the Joint Commission, a new order for chemical or physical restraints must be written every 2 hours for individuals aged 9-17 years old. Therefore, an order written for this 14-year-old patient at 1030 expires at 1230. Individuals younger than 9 must have a new order written every hour. Patients 18 years or greater must have a physician order written for restraints every 4 hours.

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