The nurse is educating a patient with skin traction about self-care measures. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the patient?

Inadequate traction can lead to improper alignment, uneven pressure distribution, and increased risk of pressure ulcers. The nurse should ensure that the traction is appropriately applied to prevent complications.

a. Decreased muscle spasms may be a positive effect of adequate traction. However, inadequate traction does not necessarily lead to increased muscle spasms.

c. Improved circulation in the affected limb is a potential benefit of proper skin traction, not a complication of inadequate traction.

d. Faster healing of the injured limb is a desired outcome of effective traction. Inadequate traction may delay healing rather than promote it.

Skin traction is typically applied above the fractured area to provide a pulling force in the opposite direction to reduce swelling and discomfort. The traction should not be placed directly over the fractured bone to avoid further injury.

a. Placing traction directly over the fractured bone may exacerbate the fracture and cause additional harm.

b. Applying traction to the unaffected leg is not appropriate, as it will not address the fractured hip.

c. Applying traction to the bony prominence on the affected side can cause pressure sores and skin breakdown.