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 B
Explanation
The nurse should identify infection as a complication to the client's condition. A warm area on the cast could indicate the presence of an underlying infection. The warmth could be due to an increase in blood flow to the area as the body tries to fight off the infection.
Uneven cast drying, pressure from the cast, and poor circulation are not complications that would cause a warm area on the cast. Uneven cast drying could cause discomfort but would not result in warmth. Pressure from the cast could cause skin breakdown but would not result in warmth. Poor circulation could cause coolness or pallor but would not result in warmth.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should report sudden sleepiness to the provider immediately if the client has a traumatic head injury. Sudden sleepiness can indicate an increase in intracranial pressure, which can be a life-threatening complication of a head injury.
Headache, diplopia, and slight ataxia are also important findings that the nurse should report to the provider. However, these findings are not as urgent as sudden sleepiness. Headache can be a common symptom following a head injury. Diplopia is double vision and can indicate cranial nerve damage. Slight ataxia is unsteadiness or lack of coordination and can indicate neurological damage.
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