What type of device is a restraint?

A restraint is classified as a movement-limiting device, which is designed to restrict the physical movement of a person. This type of device is used in healthcare settings to ensure the safety of patients who may pose a risk to themselves or others due to behavioral issues, confusion, or medical conditions. By limiting movement, restraints can help to prevent injuries and manage behaviors that could lead to harm.

Supportive devices, on the other hand, are meant to provide assistance or support to patients, such as wheelchairs or crutches, which serve a different purpose than restraints. Diagnostic tools are used to assess a patient's health status or to provide information about a condition but do not limit movement. Cleaning implements relate to tools for hygiene and sanitation tasks and do not have any bearing on patient safety in terms of movement control. Thus, identifying restraints as movement-limiting devices is essential for understanding their role and appropriate application in healthcare.