What is the primary indication for using skin traction in nursing practice?

To treat chronic orthopedic conditions.

To immobilize a fractured bone during surgery.

To provide short-term stabilization and pain relief for a fractured bone.

To replace the need for surgical interventions for joint dislocations.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

The primary indication for skin traction is to provide short-term stabilization and pain relief for a fractured bone. It is a non-invasive method used to align and stabilize fractures before definitive treatment, such as casting or surgery.

a. Skin traction is not used to treat chronic orthopedic conditions; it is primarily used for acute fractures.

b. Skin traction is not typically used to immobilize a fractured bone during surgery; other surgical interventions are used for that purpose.

d. Skin traction does not replace the need for surgical interventions for joint dislocations; it is specifically used for fractures.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The patient's report of minimal discomfort indicates successful skin traction. Traction should alleviate pain and provide proper alignment of the fractured bone, leading to improved comfort for the patient.

b. The patient's pain being unchanged from before traction suggests that the traction may not be effectively relieving the pressure on the fractured bone.

c. The patient's leg appearing slightly misaligned indicates that the traction may not be adequately stabilizing the fracture, which is not a desirable outcome.

d. The patient's fractured femur showing signs of healing is not an immediate evaluation parameter for skin traction effectiveness. Skin traction is primarily aimed at reducing pain and realigning the bone.

A. Elevating the affected limb above heart level to reduce edema. B. Avoiding weight adjustments in the traction without the healthcare provider's order. C. Keeping the adhesive straps or wraps clean and dry to prevent infection. D. Encouraging active range of motion exercises for the affected limb.

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.

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What is the primary indication for using skin traction in nursing practice?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of skin traction for a patient with a fractured femur. Which finding indicates successful traction?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

What is an important nursing consideration when caring for a patient with skin traction?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

How does skin traction compare to skeletal traction in nursing practice?

The nurse is caring for a patient in skin traction. Which action demonstrates effective nursing collaboration?

The nurse is collaborating with the physical therapist to coordinate care for a patient in skin traction. Which action demonstrates effective nursing collaboration?

The nurse is caring for a patient with skin traction. What is a potential complication of inadequate traction?

The nurse is collaborating with the physical therapist to assist a patient in skin traction with range of motion exercises. Which action demonstrates effective nursing collaboration?

The nurse is caring for a patient with a fractured femur who has been placed in skin traction. Which statement best describes the purpose of skin traction?

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

The nurse is providing discharge education to a patient with skin traction. Which instruction should the nurse include?