A nurse is obtaining the length and weight of a 6-month-old infant.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason:
Placing traction weights so they touch the head of the bed disrupts the effectiveness of the traction system. Skeletal traction relies on a continuous pulling force to maintain proper alignment of the fractured femur. If the weights are resting on any surface, the force is interrupted, which can lead to complications such as malunion or delayed healing. The weights must hang freely at all times to ensure therapeutic benefit.

Choice B reason:
Isometric exercises are beneficial for maintaining muscle tone and promoting circulation during immobilization. However, while this is a supportive intervention, it is not the most critical or immediate nursing action in the context of skeletal traction. Encouraging exercises every 8 hours is appropriate, but it does not directly address the most urgent or discomfort-related aspect of care.

Choice C reason:
Pin care is a routine but potentially painful procedure associated with skeletal traction. Administering pain medication beforehand is a priority nursing action because it ensures client comfort, reduces anxiety, and promotes cooperation during the procedure. This intervention reflects both compassionate care and adherence to best practices in pain management and infection prevention.

Choice D reason:
Repositioning a client in skeletal traction must be done with extreme caution to avoid disrupting the traction setup. Assisting the client to shift position every 4 hours may inadvertently alter the alignment or tension of the traction apparatus. While pressure injury prevention is important, repositioning must be coordinated carefully and is not the most appropriate standalone action in this context.

A nurse caring for a toddler who had a cast applied 2 hours ago due to multiple fractures of the right hand should report immediately to the charge nurse if the fingers on the right hand have a capillary refill of 4 seconds.
This could indicate that there is a problem with circulation.
Choice A is not an answer because it is not unusual for a child to not attempt to move her right arm or fingers after having a cast applied.
Choice B is not an answer because it is not unusual for the fingertips of the right hand to be swollen and bruised after having a cast applied.
Choice D is not an answer because it is not unusual for a child to not keep their arm elevated on a pillow after having a cast applied.