The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient with skin traction. What instruction should the nurse include to promote skin integrity?

An important nursing intervention to prevent complications in a patient with skin traction is to monitor neurovascular status regularly. This includes assessing circulation, sensation, and motion of the affected limb to detect any signs of neurovascular compromise.

a. Elevating the foot of the bed for comfort is not directly related to preventing complications of skin traction.

b. Loosening the traction bandages every 8 hours can compromise the effectiveness of the traction and is not a recommended nursing intervention.

c. Assessing the patient's pain level once a day is important, but it is not the primary intervention for preventing complications of skin traction.

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.