What is a serious problem that may result from the use of restraints?

The use of restraints can lead to pressure ulcers, which are serious skin injuries resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. When a person is restrained, they may not be able to move freely, which can impede blood flow to certain areas of the body, particularly over bony prominence like heels, elbows, or the sacrum. This lack of circulation can cause the skin to breakdown, eventually leading to pressure ulcers. These ulcers are not only painful but can also result in serious infections and complicate the individual's overall health status.

While options such as infections, anxiety, and depression are also potential consequences of restraint use, the formation of pressure ulcers is particularly notable because it directly results from the physical constraints placed on a person's mobility and can lead to significant medical complications if not properly addressed.