The nurse is caring for a patient with skin traction. What action should the nurse take to prevent skin breakdown?
Apply lotion to the skin under the traction.
Ensure that the traction weight is hanging freely.
Loosen the traction bandages every 2 hours.
Remove the traction periodically to assess the skin.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct action to prevent skin breakdown in a patient with skin traction is to ensure that the traction weight is hanging freely and not resting on the bed. This prevents pressure on the skin and reduces the risk of skin breakdown.
a. Applying lotion to the skin under the traction can create a barrier that may interfere with proper skin assessment and could cause skin irritation. It is not recommended to apply lotion under the traction.
c. Loosening the traction bandages every 2 hours can compromise the effectiveness of the traction and may not be necessary if the skin is not showing signs of compromise.
d. Removing the traction periodically to assess the skin can disrupt the treatment plan and may not be necessary unless there are signs of skin compromise or other complications.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The primary purpose of applying skin traction is to provide a pulling force on the fractured bone, which helps to reduce and realign the bone fragments. It allows for proper bone healing and minimizes pain and muscle spasms.
a. Skin traction does not completely immobilize the fractured bone; it provides some mobility while stabilizing the fracture.
b. Realignment of the fractured bone into its original position is the goal of closed reduction or surgical intervention, not skin traction.
d. While skin traction may promote some blood circulation in the affected limb, its primary purpose is to reduce the fracture and stabilize the bone, not to improve circulation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Swelling and discoloration of the affected limb can indicate neurovascular compromise and require immediate intervention. The nurse should assess circulation, sensation, and motion of the affected limb and notify the healthcare provider promptly.
a. Mild discomfort at the traction site is common and expected. The nurse can provide pain relief measures as prescribed.
c. Traction weights hanging freely off the edge of the bed is the correct way to set up skin traction. This finding does not raise concern.
d. Traction cords secured with tape to the bedrails is the appropriate way to secure the traction. This finding does not raise concern.
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