An older adult client in an orthopedic unit has an intracapsular fracture of the right hip following a fall. The client is in Buck's traction and will have hip prosthesis surgery in the morning. The nurse should reinforce with the client that this type of traction promotes which of the following outcomes?
Reduction of the fracture
Support for moving the extremity
Alignment of the pins
Relief from muscle spasms
The Correct Answer is D
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 pulleys². One of the goals of Buck's traction is to lessen or eliminate muscular spasms¹.
Reduction of the fracture is not the primary purpose of Buck's traction.
Support for moving the extremity is not a primary outcome of Buck's traction.
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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should monitor the client for lethargy as a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a rise in pressure around the brain that can occur due to various reasons such as brain injury, bleeding into the brain, swelling in the brain, or an increase in cerebrospinal fluid². Lethargy (feeling less alert than usual) is a common symptom of increased ICP⁴.
Nuchal rigidity is not a common symptom of increased ICP.
Batle's sign is not a common symptom of increased ICP.
Polyuria is not a common symptom of increased ICP.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
When contributing to the plan of care for a client to achieve the outcome of functional healing of a fracture, the highest priority nursing intervention to assist in meeting this outcome is to maintain immobilization and alignment for the client. This helps to ensure that the bones are in the correct position to heal properly and can prevent complications such as malunion or nonunion.
Promoting independence in activities of daily living for the client is important, but it is not the highest priority intervention for achieving functional healing of a fracture.
Providing relief from pain and discomfort for the client is important, but it is not the highest priority intervention for achieving functional healing of a fracture.
Providing optimal nutrition and hydration for the client is important, but it is not the highest priority intervention for achieving functional healing of a fracture.
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