Home › Cheat Sheets › Safety & Infection Control

Restraint Application — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

Least restrictive; needs MD order

🔖 Save

👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Safety & Infection Control 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

💡

Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Restraint Application on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

🩺

✅

Do

Nursing actions

Try alternatives FIRST (last resort)
Quick-release knot to bed FRAME
2 fingers fit under restraint

🧪

Monitor

Key numbers

Circ/skin q15-30min; release q2h
ROM, food, water, toileting offered

📌

Order

Key facts

MD order renewed q4h adult violent
Never PRN restraint orders

🚩

Report

Notify / act now

Blue/cold/numb limb → release now
Skin breakdown, impaired circulation

✨

Quick Tip

Restraints require a provider order specifying type, reason, and time limit; verbal orders must be evaluated/co-signed promptly and orders are time-limited (not PRN, never standing/blanket orders).

📖 Related Topics

Group B Streptococcus Lead Poisoning Child Abuse Recognition Car Seat Safety

Was this helpful? ✎ Suggest an edit

Master Restraint Application with practice, not just reading

4,700+ NCLEX-style questions with rationales, 51 interactive NGN cases, and an AI tutor — free every day, no card needed.

Practice Safety & Infection Control questions free →

Related Safety & Infection Control cheat sheets

Group B StreptococcusScreen 36-37 wks gestation Lead PoisoningBlood lead ≥ 5 mcg/dL Child Abuse RecognitionInjury inconsistent with story Car Seat SafetyRear-facing until 2 yr min Poison ControlCall 1-800-222-1222 Restraint and Seclusion SafetyLeast restrictive, last resort De-escalationCalm the agitated patient first ABO Blood CompatibilityO- universal donor