Author Question: A nurse cares for a client placed in skeletal traction. The client asks, What is the primary purpose ... (Read 66 times)

azncindy619 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A nurse cares for a client placed in skeletal traction. The client asks, What is the primary purpose of this type of traction? How should the nurse respond?

a. Skeletal traction will assist in realigning your fractured bone.
b. This treatment will prevent future complications and back pain.
c. Traction decreases muscle spasms that occur with a fracture.
d. This type of traction minimizes damage as a result of fracture treatment.

Question 2

A nurse assesses a client with a pelvic fracture. Which assessment finding should the nurse identify as a complication of this injury?

a. Hypertension
b. Constipation
c. Infection
d. Hematuria

izzat · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Skeletal traction pins or screws are surgically inserted into the bone to aid in bone alignment. As a last resort, traction can be used to relieve pain, decrease muscle spasm, and prevent or correct deformity and tissue damage. These are not primary purposes of skeletal traction.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The pelvis is very vascular and close to major organs. Injury to the pelvis can cause integral damage that may manifest as blood in the urine (hematuria) or stool. The nurse should also assess for signs of hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock, which include hypotension and tachycardia. Constipation and infection are not complications of a pelvic fracture.