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.

Answer and Explanation

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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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.

A. A patient with a chronic joint inflammation. B. A patient with a dislocated shoulder joint. C. A patient with a fractured femur awaiting surgical fixation. D. A patient with a muscle strain in the lower back.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Skin traction is most beneficial for patients with fractures who are awaiting definitive treatment, such as surgical fixation. It provides temporary stabilization and pain relief for the fractured bone until further treatment is initiated.

a. Skin traction is not typically used for chronic joint inflammation; it is specific to fractures.

b. Skin traction is not used to treat dislocated joints; other interventions are employed for joint reductions.

d. Skin traction is not indicated for muscle strains; it is primarily used for fractures.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of skin traction for a patient with a fractured femur. Which finding indicates successful traction?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which patient would benefit most from the use of skin traction?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

How does skin traction compare to skeletal traction in nursing practice?

The nurse is preparing to apply skin traction to a patient's lower leg. What is the primary purpose of applying skin traction in this situation?

The nurse is evaluating the skin condition of a patient in skeletal traction. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

The nurse is assessing a patient in skin traction. Which finding indicates the need for immediate intervention?

The nurse is caring for a patient in skin traction. What is a potential complication of skin traction if not properly secured?

The nurse is providing care for a patient in skin traction. What intervention should the nurse implement to prevent contractures?

The nurse is caring for a patient with a fractured femur in skin traction. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

The nurse is educating a patient with skin traction about self-care measures. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the patient?