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

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.

Weak pedal pulses in the affected leg indicate a potential vascular compromise and are concerning in a patient with skin traction. It may indicate reduced blood flow, and immediate intervention is required to ensure proper circulation to the extremity.

a. Capillary refill time of less than 2 seconds is a normal finding and indicates adequate peripheral circulation. It is not indicative of a complication.

c. Symmetrical pedal pulses bilaterally are a positive finding and suggest good vascular status in both legs. It is not a potential complication.

d. Tingling sensation in the toes may be a normal sensation and does not necessarily indicate a complication unless it is accompanied by other neurovascular changes.