Which of the following is considered a chemical restraint?

• A. Chemical restraint
• B. Physical restraint
• C. Environmental restraint
• D. Behavioral restraint

Answer: (A)

Chemical restraint refers to using a medication to restrict a patient’s movement or behavior beyond what is needed to treat a medical condition. When a drug is given primarily to sedate or control behavior for safety, rather than to treat an illness or relieve symptoms, it functions as a restraint. This requires careful justification, the use of the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, attempts at de-escalation first, and ongoing monitoring and documentation.

The other options describe different approaches to limiting movement that do not involve medications: physical restraint uses hands or devices to physically restrict movement; environmental restraint involves altering the environment (such as locked doors or restricted access) to confine the person; behavioral restraint is not a pharmacologic approach and does not involve using meds to control behavior.