Question

A 72-year-old woman with dementia in a long-term care facility becomes agitated and attempts to climb out of bed at night. Staff request a physical restraint to prevent falls. According to Choosing Wisely Canada geriatrics recommendations and best practice, what is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Avoid restraints and assess for underlying causes of agitation, implementing non-pharmacologic strategies first

Answer

Apply physical restraints routinely to prevent falls

Answer

Use chemical restraints (high-dose antipsychotics) every night

Answer

Discharge her from the facility to family care

Answer

Ignore the behaviour as inevitable

Practice question

A 72-year-old woman with dementia in a long-term care facility becomes agitated and attempts to climb out of bed at night. Staff request a physical restraint to prevent falls. According to Choosing Wisely Canada geriatrics recommendations and best practice, what is the most appropriate response?