A nurse is discussing Russell's traction with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements about this form of traction should the nurse include in the teaching?
Russell's traction uses skeletal pins to stabilize the fracture.
Russell's traction uses a pelvic girdle belt to decrease lower back pain.
Russell's traction uses a sling under the knee to treat a fracture of the femur.
Russell's traction uses a cervical halter to decrease cervical muscle spasms.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Russell's traction does not use skeletal pins. Skeletal traction involves the use of pins, wires, or screws inserted directly into the bone to stabilize a fracture.
B. Russell's traction does not involve the use of a pelvic girdle belt. Pelvic girdle belts are more commonly associated with some other forms of traction used for different purposes.
C. Russell's traction is specifically used for the treatment of a fracture of the femur, and it involves a sling placed under the knee to support and immobilize the affected leg.
D. Russell's traction is not used to decrease cervical muscle spasms. Cervical traction, using a cervical halter, is a separate form of traction used for cervical spine-related issues.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Mild erythema (redness) at the pin sites can be a normal finding due to the body's response to the presence of foreign objects. It may not necessarily indicate infection.
B. Serosanguineous drainage (a mixture of clear and bloody fluid) can also be a normal finding initially after the insertion of pins. It may not necessarily indicate infection.
C. Fever is a systemic response to infection. In a client with skeletal traction, fever can be an indication of an infection at the pin sites or a more systemic infection related to the traction device.
D. Warmth around the pin sites can be a normal finding due to the inflammatory response that occurs after pin insertion. It may not necessarily indicate infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Fat embolism syndrome - This is characterized by respiratory distress, altered mental status, and petechial rash. It is not associated with increasing edema.
B. Pulmonary embolism - This occurs when a blood clot (usually from the legs) travels to the lungs and can present with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate. It is not associated with increasing edema around a fracture site.
C. Acute compartment syndrome - This is a serious condition that occurs when increased pressure within a muscle compartment impairs blood supply, leading to tissue ischemia and necrosis. Increasing edema is an early sign of compartment syndrome.
D. Osteomyelitis - This is an infection of the bone and is not typically associated with increasing edema around a fracture site. It may present with local signs of infection like warmth, redness, and tenderness.
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