Which statement best describes physical restraints as a delirium risk factor?

• A. Use of physical restraints and immobility
• B. Regular ambulation
• C. Gentle restraint-free policy
• D. Involvement of family

Answer: (A)

Physical restraints contribute to delirium risk primarily through immobility and the cascade it sets off. When movement is restricted, patients become more deconditioned, sleep becomes fragmented, and sensory input can be reduced or misaligned with reality. This combination heightens confusion and disorientation, elevating the likelihood of delirium. The stress and fear of being restrained can also provoke agitation, which further disrupts attention and cognition. In contrast, keeping patients mobile, minimizing restraints, involving family for orientation, and supporting a restraint-free environment help maintain sleep, sensory stimulation, and cognitive engagement, all of which reduce delirium risk. Therefore, the statement describing physical restraints as a delirium risk factor centers on the link between restraints, immobility, and the resulting delirium-prone state.