A nurse is discussing skeletal and skin traction with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the newly licensed nurse understands these therapies?
"Skeletal traction is better than skin traction for reducing a fracture."
"Clients in skin traction have more mobility than those in skeletal traction."
"Skeletal traction has less risk for infection than skin traction."
"Clients in skin traction have more discomfort than those in skeletal traction."
The Correct Answer is A
a. Skeletal traction is often better than skin traction for reducing and maintaining alignment of a fracture because it involves the insertion of pins, wires, or screws directly into the bone, allowing for greater force and stability.
b. Clients in skin traction typically have less mobility compared to those in skeletal traction. Skin traction is usually used for short-term purposes or less severe fractures and involves attaching weights to the skin using adhesive materials or bandages, which can limit movement to some extent.
c. Skeletal traction involves inserting hardware into the bone, which creates an entry point for potential infection. Therefore, it has a higher risk for infection compared to skin traction, which does not involve invasive procedures.
d. While both types of traction can cause discomfort, skeletal traction is typically more invasive and can be associated with more discomfort and pain due to the pins or wires inserted into the bone. Skin traction, while uncomfortable due to the adhesive and pressure on the skin, generally causes less discomfort than skeletal traction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should instruct the client to elevate the affected ankle to the level of the heart. Elevation helps to reduce swelling and pain by promoting venous return and decreasing blood flow to the injured area. This is an important part of the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method for treating sprains and strains.
a. The elastic compression dressing should not be applied so tight that it causes numbness in the toes and ankle.
b. The client should avoid placing weight on the affected leg when walking until advised by a healthcare provider.
d. Heat should not be applied during the first 24 hours after a sprain as it can increase swelling and inflammation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
An appropriate action to prevent hip dislocation in a client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty is to place a wedge pillow between the legs. This helps to maintain proper alignment and prevent the legs from crossing or adducting, which can cause hip dislocation.
Placing a trochanter roll against the thigh, placing a sandbag on the lateral calf, and placing a footboard on the bed are not appropriate actions to prevent hip dislocation in this situation. A trochanter roll is used to prevent the external rotation of the hip. A sandbag to the lateral calf can help prevent foot drop. A footboard can help prevent plantar flexion contractures.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today