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

Option A is appropriate because assessing the skin under the traction tape helps monitor for any signs of skin breakdown, irritation, or pressure ulcers. Regular skin assessments are essential to prevent complications related to skin traction.

b. Tightening the traction ropes to increase the traction force is incorrect. The traction force should be set by the healthcare provider, and altering it without proper authorization may lead to adverse effects or further injury.

c. Placing the traction weights on the bed instead of suspending them is incorrect. Traction weights should be suspended freely to provide the appropriate traction force and maintain proper alignment of the fractured bone.

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.