What should a nurse do after obtaining a verbal prescription for restraints for a client in acute mania?

After obtaining a verbal prescription for restraints for a client in acute mania, the nurse should ensure that a written prescription is obtained within a specified timeframe, typically within 4 hours. This action is critical for legal and ethical compliance within healthcare settings. Verbal orders for restraints must be followed by a timely written order to confirm the justification for their use, ensuring that patient safety and rights are upheld.

Documenting the patient’s behavior before restraints is also important, but it might be part of the overall process rather than a direct follow-up to a verbal order. Immediately applying restraints without a formal order would be inappropriate, as this could lead to potential violations of patient rights. Although notifying the healthcare provider for further orders is relevant, it does not specifically address the requirement for obtaining a written prescription that should follow any verbal order focused on restraint use.