Question | Answer |
used to reduce fractures | Traction |
Traction | Exerts a pulling force on a fractured extremity to provide alignment of the broken bone fragments. |
Skin traction | applied directly to the skin |
used in hip and knee fractures | Buck's traction |
elevates knee | Russell's traction |
Skeletal traction | provides a strong steady pull and can be used for longer periods of time |
Gardner-Wells, Crutchfield, Vinke tongs and halo vest | Skeletal traction |
Important points about traction | weights must hang freely, use padding at pressure points, assess pin sites for redness, drainage, odor. |
Hip Fractures | most common in the femoral neck and intertrochanteric regions |
ORIF | Open reduction internal fixation |
most common cause of falls | fracture of the hip |
Colles' fracture | break in the distal radius, usually when an outstretched hand is used to break a fall. |
Pelvis fracture | may require pelvic sling, skeletal traction, double hip spica cast, external fixation |
Re-implantation | usually involves microscopic resection of the detached limb (fingers and thumb) |
Impaired Physical Mobility Nursing Implications | ROM exercises of affected extremity, correct alignment of joints,assess stump for complications |
Pain implications | relaxation or imagery for distraction, heat/cold applications PRN, correct body alignment |
Risk for Infection implications | standard precautions/aseptic when needed, assess for s/s of infection q-shift, temp. and WBC baseline. |
Risk for ineffective tissue perfusion implications | neurovascualr checks, elevations of extremity, assess for compartment syndrome, freq. turning |
Risk for Disuse Syndrome | leads to conractures |