What action should a nurse take before applying wrist restraints to a patient?

Padding the patient's wrist before applying restraints is essential for several reasons. First, it helps to protect the skin from abrasions and pressure injuries that can occur from the restraint materials, especially if the patient struggles or moves. This proactive measure is a part of providing compassionate care and minimizing harm, aligning with the principles of patient safety and comfort.

In the context of restraint use, ensuring that the patient's wrists are padded helps maintain skin integrity and promotes overall patient well-being. It's crucial to remember that the use of restraints should always prioritize the patient's safety and dignity, and proper padding is a vital step in this process.

Choosing to pad the wrist also reflects adherence to best practice standards in healthcare, which prioritize non-restrictive alternatives and the least invasive methods while ensuring safety. This approach underscores the importance of balancing patient autonomy with safety needs.