Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Chemical Restraints Nursing Homes

The following example is a true case scenario where administrators and staff in a Nursing Home inappropriately used chemical restraints, resulting in harm. In California, The Kern Valley Nursing Home used chemical restraint to control resident behavior from 2006-2007. Three residents died and eight were seriously injured. The director of nursing, pharmacist, hospital administrator and Read More...

Bipolar Patient Chemical Restraint

The following case scenario is an example of the use of chemical restraint for bipolar disorder: The staff of the mental health unit chose to medicate a patient, Mr. Big with Risperdal which was ordered to be given as needed for agitation. Mr. Big had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and was a large 30 Read More...

Verbal Abuse in Chemical Restraint

The following case scenario is an examples of the use of chemical restraint: Mr. Jones is a 65 year old man who is being evaluated in the emergency room after a fall with a possible fracture. He is experiencing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and is yelling and cursing at the staff. The nurses believe that Read More...

Chemical Restraint Documentation/Medications

Documentation by caregivers is extremely important to avoid litigation when chemical restraint is used. The person’s competency to refuse care including medication should be evaluated and documented. The medications most commonly used for chemical restraint are benzodiazepines such as Ativan and antipsychotics such as Haldol or Risperdal. These medications may be used alone or in combination. Read More...