The nurse is caring for a patient with a fractured femur who has been placed in skin traction. Which statement best describes the purpose of skin traction?
Skin traction is used to immobilize the fractured bone and prevent further injury.
Skin traction is applied directly to the fractured bone to realign the bone fragments.
Skin traction is used to provide compression to reduce swelling and edema.
Skin traction is used to promote mobility and early ambulation.
The Correct Answer is C
Skin traction is a type of traction that involves applying force to the skin to reduce swelling and edema around the fractured bone. It helps to alleviate pain and promote proper alignment of the bone fragments.
a. Skin traction does not immobilize the fractured bone; rather, it provides continuous but controlled tension to reduce swelling and discomfort.
b. Skin traction is not applied directly to the fractured bone. Instead, it involves applying adhesive strips or bandages to the skin, followed by connecting weights to provide the desired tension.
d. While skin traction may promote some mobility, its primary purpose is to reduce swelling and discomfort rather than facilitating early ambulation.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Skin traction is contraindicated in patients with open fractures where the skin is disrupted. The risk of infection and further complications is high in such cases.
a. Skin traction is not contraindicated in patients with a history of joint dislocations. It is primarily used for fractures.
c. Skin traction is not contraindicated in patients with muscle strains, as it is specific to fractures.
d. Skin traction is not contraindicated in patients with chronic orthopedic conditions; however, it may not be the appropriate intervention for their condition.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The primary indication for skin traction is to provide short-term stabilization and pain relief for a fractured bone. It is a non-invasive method used to align and stabilize fractures before definitive treatment, such as casting or surgery.
a. Skin traction is not used to treat chronic orthopedic conditions; it is primarily used for acute fractures.
b. Skin traction is not typically used to immobilize a fractured bone during surgery; other surgical interventions are used for that purpose.
d. Skin traction does not replace the need for surgical interventions for joint dislocations; it is specifically used for fractures.
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