Mechanisms of injury and death proximal to restraint use

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.