Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam

How often should you check on a patient that is in restraints?

1. Every 30 minutes

2. Every hour

3. Every 15 minutes

4. Every 45 minutes

The correct answer is: Every 15 minutes

Monitoring a patient in restraints is crucial for ensuring their safety and well-being. Checking on them every 15 minutes is recommended as it allows staff to quickly assess the patient's physical and psychological state. Frequent checks help in identifying any signs of distress, discomfort, or potential complications related to the restraints, such as circulation issues or increased anxiety. Maintaining this regular assessment schedule supports compliance with both patient care standards and legal requirements, aiming to prevent any harm and to ensure that the use of restraints is as temporary and safe as possible. Although longer intervals may suffice in some contexts, the 15-minute timeframe is often the most widely accepted guideline for high-alert monitoring situations involving restraint, reflecting the need for diligent patient oversight in these circumstances.