Skip to main content

Ally, an LPN, works on a Special Care Unit in a residential care facility. Mr. Bean, an 86–year–old resident diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, mobilizes using a wheelchair.

   
 photo courtesy of North Coast Medical

Recently, Mr. Bean has had numerous falls when attempting to get up on his own. Ally has tried to protect Mr. Bean from falling by using careful observation; however, she has not been successful in keeping him safe.

What's next?

  • Ally assesses Mr. Bean to determine why he is falling and the best way to protect him

  • Ally decides that for the short term, a lap restraint is most appropriate whenever he is in his wheelchair

  • Ally reviews the facility policy, asks for input from Mr. Bean, his family and the team caring for Mr. Bean, and seeks an order for the use of a lap restraint from Mr. Bean’s doctor before applying the lap restraint

  • Ally explains to Mr. Bean and his family the rationale for using a lap restraint, including the risks and benefits, and seeks their consent to use it

  • Ally revises Mr. Bean’s plan of care to include applying a lap restraint while he is up in his wheelchair; the plan of care will be re-evaluated daily

  • Ally instructs the health care assistants on the correct use of a lap restraint, including proper positioning for Mr. Bean, monitoring him for any signs of agitation, and offering food, fluids and toileting at regular intervals

  • Ally routinely documents the use of the lap restraint and Mr. Bean’s response  

What is entry-level LPN practice?

Entry-level practical nursing programs teach applying restraints

Which BCCNM limits and conditions apply?

LPNs apply restraints when an order from an authorized health professional is in place.

When acting with an order, LPNs follow BCCNM's LPN Standards for Acting with an Order.​​​​​

900 – 200 Granville St
Vancouver, BC  V6C 1S4
Canada

info@bccnm​.ca
604.742.6200​
​Toll-free 1.866.880.7101 (within Canada only) ​


We acknowledge the rights and title of the First Nations on whose collective unceded territories encompass the land base colonially known as British Columbia. We give specific thanks to the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking peoples the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh-ulh Sníchim speaking Peoples the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), on whose unceded territories BCCNM’s office is located. We also give thanks for the medicines of these territories and recognize that laws, governance, and health systems tied to these lands and waters have existed here for over 9000 years.

We also acknowledge the unique and distinct rights, including rights to health and wellness, of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples from elsewhere in Canada who now live in British Columbia. As leaders in the settler health system, we acknowledge our responsibilities to these rights under international, national, and provincial law.​