In hospital protocols, a restricted extremity is indicated by which band color?

The correct answer is associated with the color purple. In hospital protocols, the use of colored bands for patients is a common practice to communicate specific medical information quickly and effectively among healthcare staff. A purple band is widely recognized as indicating that a patient has a restricted extremity. This designation helps clinicians and support staff to be aware of any limitations a patient may have regarding movement or manipulation of their limbs, ensuring that proper care and safety measures are observed.

In contrast, other colors may represent different conditions or requirements. For example, a red band often signifies allergies, particularly to medications, while orange may indicate a specific type of alert or special consideration for patient care. White bands typically denote standard identification. Understanding these color associations helps ensure that patients receive proper attention and that critical information is communicated efficiently in a hospital setting.