A nurse is caring for a client who sustained a femur fracture in an automobile accident and is placed into skeletal traction. The nurse may remove the weights from the traction device if which of the following occurs?
The client develops a life-threatening situation.
The client needs to have an x-ray of the femur performed.
The client complains of pain.
The client has to be repositioned in the bed.
The Correct Answer is A
A. In the event of a life-threatening situation, the immediate priority is to address the situation to stabilize the client's condition. If removing the weights from the traction device is necessary to manage the life-threatening situation then the nurse may remove the weights as part of the overall management of the client's care.
B. It's generally not necessary to remove the weights from the traction device for an x-ray of the femur. Instead, the x-ray can typically be performed with the weights in place.
C. Pain management is important for clients in traction, but removing the weights is not the initial action for addressing pain. The nurse should assess the cause of the pain and intervene appropriately.
D. Repositioning the client in the bed may be necessary for comfort, preventing pressure ulcers, or facilitating care activities. When repositioning the client, the nurse should ensure that the traction setup remains intact and that the weights are properly secured.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This technique helps to prevent pressure ulcers and assists in maintaining proper spinal alignment, which is essential after such a surgery.
B. Clear drainage on the spinal dressing is not typically expected and could indicate an infection or other complication.
C. Assisting the client to sit upright in a chair for extended periods is not standard practices immediately following spinal fusion, as these actions may put undue stress on the spine during the critical initial healing phase.
D. Elevating the client's legs while sitting are not standard practices immediately following spinal fusion, as these actions may put undue stress on the spine during the critical initial healing phase
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Assessing the temperature of the affected extremity is important because changes in temperature could indicate circulation problems, which are a concern with traction. Assessing temperature helps in detecting any potential issues early on.
C. Skin integrity is crucial as traction can put pressure on the skin, potentially leading to pressure ulcers or skin breakdown. Regular examination helps in detecting any signs of skin irritation or breakdown early so that appropriate interventions can be initiated.
D. Traction can sometimes impede circulation to the affected limb, leading to complications such as compartment syndrome. Monitoring peripheral pulses helps in detecting any circulation problems promptly.
B. Adjusting the prescribed weights is not typically within the nurse's scope of practice, as the weights are determined by the physician and should not be altered without specific orders.
E. Positioning the weights against the foot of the bed is incorrect; they should hang freely to maintain effective traction.
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