The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient with skin traction. What instruction should the nurse include to promote skin integrity?
Apply lotion to the skin under the traction regularly.
Clean the skin under the traction with alcohol swabs daily.
Use a barrier cream on the skin under the traction.
Inspect the skin under the traction for redness and irritation daily.
The Correct Answer is D
To promote skin integrity, the nurse should instruct the patient to inspect the skin under the traction daily for signs of redness, irritation, or breakdown. Early detection of skin issues can help prevent further complications.
a. Applying lotion to the skin under the traction is not recommended, as it can interfere with proper skin assessment and cause skin irritation.
b. Cleaning the skin under the traction with alcohol swabs daily can dry out the skin and increase the risk of skin breakdown.
c. Using a barrier cream on the skin under the traction is not necessary and may not be suitable for all patients. It can also interfere with skin assessment.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Option D is essential in maintaining proper traction and alignment. Knots and kinks in the traction ropes can interfere with the traction force, leading to inadequate realignment of the fractured bone.
a. Reapplying the traction tape every 4 hours is not necessary and may cause skin irritation and complications. Traction tape is typically applied securely and remains in place for an extended period unless specifically indicated otherwise.
b. Keeping the patient's leg in a dependent position is incorrect. The affected leg should be elevated to reduce swelling and promote venous return to prevent further complications such as venous thromboembolism.
c. Elevating the foot of the bed to promote venous return is not a recommended practice for skin traction. The affected limb should be elevated to promote venous return, but the bed should remain flat to maintain the proper alignment and traction force.
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