The nurse is caring for a patient in skin traction. When communicating with the healthcare provider about the patient's condition, which approach demonstrates effective nursing communication?

Option D is essential in maintaining proper traction and alignment. Knots and kinks in the traction ropes can interfere with the traction force, leading to inadequate realignment of the fractured bone.

a. Reapplying the traction tape every 4 hours is not necessary and may cause skin irritation and complications. Traction tape is typically applied securely and remains in place for an extended period unless specifically indicated otherwise.

b. Keeping the patient's leg in a dependent position is incorrect. The affected leg should be elevated to reduce swelling and promote venous return to prevent further complications such as venous thromboembolism.

c. Elevating the foot of the bed to promote venous return is not a recommended practice for skin traction. The affected limb should be elevated to promote venous return, but the bed should remain flat to maintain the proper alignment and traction force.

Requesting physical therapy to assist with range of motion exercises demonstrates effective nursing collaboration. Physical therapists are experts in movement and can provide valuable input in promoting joint mobility for patients in traction.

a. Administering pain medication as prescribed is a standard nursing responsibility and does not involve collaboration with other healthcare providers.

b. Initiating skin traction without consulting the healthcare provider is not appropriate. Traction requires a healthcare provider's order, and nurses should not initiate any treatment without proper authorization.

c. Documenting the patient's neurovascular assessment in the chart is a part of the nurse's routine responsibilities and does not involve collaboration with other healthcare providers.