A nurse is caring for a preschooler who is in 90-90 traction. Which of the following is the nurse’s priority action

A nurse is caring for a preschooler who is in 90-90 traction. Which of the following is the nurse’s priority action?

A.
Administer pain medication.

B.
Check capillary refill.

C.
Cleanse and dress the pin sites.

D.
Reposition the child every 2 hr.

In caring for a preschooler in 90-90 traction, the nurse’s priority action should be:

A. Administer pain medication.

Explanation:

1. Administer pain medication: Pain management is crucial in traction to ensure the child’s comfort and cooperation. Proper pain control helps in preventing complications related to pain and discomfort, such as muscle spasms or agitation, which can negatively impact the effectiveness of the traction.
2. Check capillary refill: While important for assessing perfusion and circulation, it is typically not the immediate priority compared to pain management, unless there are specific concerns about circulation.
3. Cleanse and dress the pin sites: This is important for preventing infection, but pain management should take precedence to ensure the child is comfortable before performing other interventions.
4. Reposition the child every 2 hr: Repositioning is necessary for comfort and to prevent pressure ulcers, but addressing pain first is essential for effective repositioning and overall care.

Prioritizing pain management ensures that the child is comfortable and less likely to experience complications that could arise from untreated pain.