The nurse is caring for a patient with a fractured femur who has been placed in skin traction. Which statement best describes the purpose of skin traction?
Skin traction is used to immobilize the fractured bone and prevent further injury.
Skin traction is applied directly to the fractured bone to realign the bone fragments.
Skin traction is used to provide compression to reduce swelling and edema.
Skin traction is used to promote mobility and early ambulation.
The Correct Answer is C
Skin traction is a type of traction that involves applying force to the skin to reduce swelling and edema around the fractured bone. It helps to alleviate pain and promote proper alignment of the bone fragments.
a. Skin traction does not immobilize the fractured bone; rather, it provides continuous but controlled tension to reduce swelling and discomfort.
b. Skin traction is not applied directly to the fractured bone. Instead, it involves applying adhesive strips or bandages to the skin, followed by connecting weights to provide the desired tension.
d. While skin traction may promote some mobility, its primary purpose is to reduce swelling and discomfort rather than facilitating early ambulation.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Inadequate traction can lead to improper alignment, uneven pressure distribution, and increased risk of pressure ulcers. The nurse should ensure that the traction is appropriately applied to prevent complications.
a. Decreased muscle spasms may be a positive effect of adequate traction. However, inadequate traction does not necessarily lead to increased muscle spasms.
c. Improved circulation in the affected limb is a potential benefit of proper skin traction, not a complication of inadequate traction.
d. Faster healing of the injured limb is a desired outcome of effective traction. Inadequate traction may delay healing rather than promote it.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The patient's report of minimal discomfort indicates successful skin traction. Traction should alleviate pain and provide proper alignment of the fractured bone, leading to improved comfort for the patient.
b. The patient's pain being unchanged from before traction suggests that the traction may not be effectively relieving the pressure on the fractured bone.
c. The patient's leg appearing slightly misaligned indicates that the traction may not be adequately stabilizing the fracture, which is not a desirable outcome.
d. The patient's fractured femur showing signs of healing is not an immediate evaluation parameter for skin traction effectiveness. Skin traction is primarily aimed at reducing pain and realigning the bone.
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