Which assessment item needs to be documented on a client with restraints?

• A. Pulse near restraint
• B. Temp of restrained area
• C. Skin integrity
• D. Behavior leading up

Answer: (A)

Monitoring the limb’s circulation is the top priority when restraints are in use. The distal pulse near the restraint best reflects whether blood is still flowing to the area, so documenting its presence, strength, and any changes over time helps catch tightness or swelling early and guides immediate actions to safeguard perfusion. While other checks like the temperature of the restrained area or skin integrity are important parts of overall safety, they do not replace the essential need to record the distal pulse as a direct indicator of circulation. Behavior leading up to the restraint informs overall care but doesn’t provide the current safety signal for the limb’s blood flow.