The nurse is providing care for a patient in skin traction. What intervention should the nurse implement to prevent contractures?
Encourage active range of motion exercises.
Apply ice packs to the affected limb.
Limit the patient's fluid intake.
Maintain the traction in a continuous position.
The Correct Answer is A
Encouraging active range of motion exercises can help prevent contractures by promoting joint mobility and muscle flexibility. Contractures can occur if the patient remains immobile for an extended period.
b. Applying ice packs to the affected limb is not directly related to preventing contractures. Ice packs are typically used to reduce inflammation and swelling.
c. Limiting the patient's fluid intake is not necessary for preventing contractures. Adequate hydration is essential for overall health and well-being.
d. Maintaining the traction in a continuous position is a standard practice for skin traction. However, it does not specifically address the prevention of contractures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Adjusting the weight used in skin traction without a healthcare provider's order can lead to complications or improper alignment of the fractured bone. Weight adjustments should only be made based on the healthcare provider's instructions.
a. Elevating the affected limb can help reduce edema but may not be specific to skin traction care.
c. Keeping the adhesive straps or wraps clean and dry is essential to prevent skin breakdown and infection, but it is not the primary nursing consideration related to traction.
d. Encouraging active range of motion exercises is not recommended while the patient is in skin traction, as it may disrupt the traction's stabilizing effect on the fractured bone. Passive range of motion exercises may be performed as appropriate, with the healthcare provider's approval.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Russell's traction is used for patients with lower leg fractures to reduce muscle spasms and align the bones. It involves the application of skin traction to the lower leg.
a. Buck's traction is commonly used for patients with hip fractures, not lower leg fractures.
c. Bryant's traction is specifically designed for pediatric patients with femur fractures, not lower leg fractures in adult patients.
d. Dunlop's traction is a type of head and neck traction used for cervical spine injuries, not lower leg fractures.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.