When a patient is pulling at their wound drains, what is the appropriate nursing intervention?

When a patient begins to pull at their wound drains, securing wrist restraints attached to the moveable portion of the bed is an appropriate nursing intervention because it helps to prevent the patient from inadvertently dislodging the drains, which could lead to complications such as bleeding or infection. Restraints are typically used as a last resort to protect the patient's safety and the integrity of the treatment.

In this context, the use of restraints must be justified by the nursing assessment and institutional policies, ensuring that the patient's rights and dignity are respected while prioritizing safety. This intervention is crucial in the moment to prevent potential harm, as dislodged drains can compromise surgical sites or delay healing.

While assessing the patient’s pain level, inquiring why they are pulling at the drains, or alerting the provider are also important components of patient care, they may not be the most immediate actions to ensure the patient’s safety in this scenario. The priority is to manage the situation by preventing further harm while actively addressing any underlying issues afterward.