What is an important nursing consideration when caring for a patient with skin traction?
Elevating the affected limb above heart level to reduce edema.
Avoiding weight adjustments in the traction without the healthcare provider's order.
Keeping the adhesive straps or wraps clean and dry to prevent infection.
Encouraging active range of motion exercises for the affected limb.
The Correct Answer is B
Adjusting the weight used in skin traction without a healthcare provider's order can lead to complications or improper alignment of the fractured bone. Weight adjustments should only be made based on the healthcare provider's instructions.
a. Elevating the affected limb can help reduce edema but may not be specific to skin traction care.
c. Keeping the adhesive straps or wraps clean and dry is essential to prevent skin breakdown and infection, but it is not the primary nursing consideration related to traction.
d. Encouraging active range of motion exercises is not recommended while the patient is in skin traction, as it may disrupt the traction's stabilizing effect on the fractured bone. Passive range of motion exercises may be performed as appropriate, with the healthcare provider's approval.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
An important nursing intervention to prevent complications in a patient with skin traction is to monitor neurovascular status regularly. This includes assessing circulation, sensation, and motion of the affected limb to detect any signs of neurovascular compromise.
a. Elevating the foot of the bed for comfort is not directly related to preventing complications of skin traction.
b. Loosening the traction bandages every 8 hours can compromise the effectiveness of the traction and is not a recommended nursing intervention.
c. Assessing the patient's pain level once a day is important, but it is not the primary intervention for preventing complications of skin traction.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Swelling and discoloration of the affected limb can indicate neurovascular compromise and require immediate intervention. The nurse should assess circulation, sensation, and motion of the affected limb and notify the healthcare provider promptly.
a. Mild discomfort at the traction site is common and expected. The nurse can provide pain relief measures as prescribed.
c. Traction weights hanging freely off the edge of the bed is the correct way to set up skin traction. This finding does not raise concern.
d. Traction cords secured with tape to the bedrails is the appropriate way to secure the traction. This finding does not raise concern.
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