The nurse is caring for a patient in skin traction. Which action demonstrates effective nursing collaboration?

Asking the physical therapist for input on the patient's progress demonstrates effective nursing collaboration. The physical therapist's expertise is valuable in assessing the patient's response to range of motion exercises in traction.

a. Taking over the physical therapist's role in performing the exercises is not appropriate, as each healthcare professional has a specific scope of practice and should work collaboratively.

b. Informing the physical therapist that the exercises are unnecessary disregards the physical therapist's expertise and is not conducive to effective collaboration.

d. Disregarding the physical therapist's recommendations undermines the collaborative effort and diminishes the potential benefits of working together.

Skin traction is typically applied above the fractured area to provide a pulling force in the opposite direction to reduce swelling and discomfort. The traction should not be placed directly over the fractured bone to avoid further injury.

a. Placing traction directly over the fractured bone may exacerbate the fracture and cause additional harm.

b. Applying traction to the unaffected leg is not appropriate, as it will not address the fractured hip.

c. Applying traction to the bony prominence on the affected side can cause pressure sores and skin breakdown.