A nurse is discussing skeletal and skin traction with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the newly licensed nurse understands these therapies?
A.
“Skeletal traction is better than skin traction for reducing a fracture.”
B.
“Clients in skin traction have more mobility than those in skeletal traction.”
C.
“Skeletal traction has less risk for infection than skin traction.”
D.
“Clients in skin traction have more discomfort than those in skeletal traction.”
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. “Skeletal traction is better than skin traction for reducing a fracture.”
Explanation:
Skeletal and skin traction are two different methods used to stabilize and align fractures, but they have distinct characteristics and uses.
Skeletal traction involves the application of a traction device directly to the bone through a pin or wire that is surgically inserted into the bone. This method provides a more stable and precise alignment of the fractured bone because it exerts continuous pull on the bone, which helps in maintaining the correct positioning and reduces the fracture effectively. Because skeletal traction involves direct attachment to the bone, it is often used for more complex or severe fractures where a precise realignment is necessary. However, one drawback of skeletal traction is the increased risk of infection at the pin insertion site.
Skin traction, on the other hand, involves applying a traction force to the skin and underlying soft tissues using adhesive strips or a traction boot. This method is generally used for less severe fractures or as a temporary measure until more definitive treatment can be performed. Skin traction is less invasive compared to skeletal traction but is typically less effective in terms of precise fracture reduction because the force is distributed over the skin and soft tissues, which can be less stable. This method also has a lower risk of infection compared to skeletal traction since it does not involve penetrating the skin or bones.
Considering the above characteristics, statement A accurately reflects the clinical understanding that skeletal traction is typically more effective than skin traction for reducing and stabilizing fractures, especially in cases that require precise alignment. This is due to its direct application to the bone, which provides a stronger and more reliable force for fracture reduction.
Statement B is incorrect because clients in skin traction usually have more mobility compared to those in skeletal traction, where mobility is often more restricted due to the invasive nature of the procedure.
Statement C is incorrect because skeletal traction has a higher risk of infection due to the presence of pins or wires penetrating the skin.
Statement D is incorrect because clients in skin traction generally experience less discomfort compared to those in skeletal traction, where the invasive nature of the treatment can cause more discomfort.
Understanding these differences is crucial for ensuring appropriate management of fractures and providing optimal care for patients undergoing traction therapies.