A nurse is discussing skeletal and skin traction with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the newly licensed nurse understands these therapies?
"Skeletal traction is better than skin traction for reducing a fracture."
"Clients in skin traction have more mobility than those in skeletal traction."
"Skeletal traction has less risk for infection than skin traction."
"Clients in skin traction have more discomfort than those in skeletal traction."
The Correct Answer is A
a. Skeletal traction is often better than skin traction for reducing and maintaining alignment of a fracture because it involves the insertion of pins, wires, or screws directly into the bone, allowing for greater force and stability.
b. Clients in skin traction typically have less mobility compared to those in skeletal traction. Skin traction is usually used for short-term purposes or less severe fractures and involves attaching weights to the skin using adhesive materials or bandages, which can limit movement to some extent.
c. Skeletal traction involves inserting hardware into the bone, which creates an entry point for potential infection. Therefore, it has a higher risk for infection compared to skin traction, which does not involve invasive procedures.
d. While both types of traction can cause discomfort, skeletal traction is typically more invasive and can be associated with more discomfort and pain due to the pins or wires inserted into the bone. Skin traction, while uncomfortable due to the adhesive and pressure on the skin, generally causes less discomfort than skeletal traction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The first action the nurse should take is to test the drainage for glucose. Clear drainage from the nose following a basal skull fracture could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. CSF contains glucose, so testing the drainage for glucose can help determine if it is CSF.
b. Taking the client's temperature is not the first action the nurse should take.
c. Notifying the charge nurse is important but not the first action the nurse should take.
d. Placing a dressing under the client's nose is not the first action the nurse should take.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should reinforce to the client that Buck's traction promotes relief from muscle spasms. Buck's traction is a type of skin traction that is widely used for fractures of the femur and hip². It uses splints, bandages, and adhesive tapes to position a limb near the fracture and then applies pressure using weights and pulleys. One of the goals of Buck's traction is to lessen or eliminate muscular spasms.
a. Reduction of the fracture is not the primary purpose of Buck's traction.
b. Support for moving the extremity is not a primary outcome of Buck's traction.
c. Alignment of the pins is not applicable to Buck's traction as it does not involve inserting pins into the
bone.
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