Which of the following statements about mittens used as restraints is true?

The statement that mittens are not considered restraints if untethered and the client can remove them is correct. The classification of an object as a restraint hinges on whether it restricts a person's ability to engage in movement or remove it at will. If mittens can be easily taken off by the client, they do not meet the definition of a restraint, as they do not impose a physical limitation on the client’s freedom.

In many healthcare settings, the use of restraints must be justified based on patient safety and well-being, and the ability to voluntarily remove an item plays a significant role in this determination. Therefore, if the mittens can be disengaged by the client without assistance or struggle, they would not be classified as restraints, emphasizing the importance of patient autonomy and safety in clinical practice.

This understanding helps ensure that the use of behavioral aids, like mittens, serves therapeutic purposes without infringing upon the client's rights.