Restraints have been subsumed under the rubric of "interventions" in the nu
rsing literature. However, alarming reports of lethal consequences proximal
to their use raise the issue to a life and death matter that requires imme
diate attention from professionals. Little is known about the mechanisms of
death and other adverse consequences of restraint use. This article descri
bes these mechanisms and also considers some hypothesized factors and adver
se effects associated with their use. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders C
ompany.