Page 28 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

APPLY BALANCED SUSPENSION TRACTION
081-834-0004
Conditions: Given an orthopaedic patient, requiring Balanced Suspension Traction, supine on an power
controlled orthopaedic bed with overhead traction frame, nursing personnel, physician, family member (s)
, physician's written or verbal order, patient's medical record or Standard Form 513, work cart/station,
spool of traction cord, (5) pulleys with attachments, (3) 5 or 9 inch single clamp bars, pillow,(3) weight
carriers, (6) cast iron weight plates or equivalent (weights are packaged in 1 2 ,5, and 10 lb increments),
roll of 2 inch paper tape, Buck's traction boot or roll of adhesive vent foam strap, spreader block, (2)
spreader bars, Thomas Leg Splint with Pearson attachment, (6) strap clamps, (3) lamb wool pads,
(3)skin adherent(benzoin) or non allergic substitute(e.g. mastisol ) applicators, roll of 2 inch webril, (3) 8
x 7 inch surgipad or felt pads, (3) 3 or 4 inch elastic bandages, goniometer, scissors, examination gloves,
work cart/station, trapeze and trash receptacle.

Standards: Is reached when adhesive vent foam strap or Buck's traction boot with spreader block
attached is secured to the patient's injured leg. The leg is supported and suspended off the bed by a
padded Thomas Leg Splint with Pearson attachment. Traction cords are tied to the spreader block and
spreader bars, threaded through the pulleys above the knee and at the foot of the bed and tied to
weight carriers at the foot of the bed. Weight plates identified in the physician's order are applied to the
weight carriers. Capillary refill test is administrated to the toes and passed successfully.

Performance Steps

1. Receive order from the physician( review if in writing).
2. Gather needed equipment to include spreader block, spreader bars, Thomas splint with Pearson
attachment, pulleys, weight carriers, weight plates, single clamp bars, adhesive vent foam strap or
Buck's traction boot . Place on work cart/station.
3. Assemble materials to include paper tape, elastic bandages, spool of traction cord, pillow, webril,
skin adherent applicators, examination gloves, scissors and goniometer. Place on work
cart/station.
CAUTION: Traction cords used should not be frayed, worn or dirty, this may cause a medical threat to
the patient and may cause further harm.

4. Check serviceability of overhead traction frame and bed.
a. Inspect traction equipment for cracked, dented, and warped bars, or broken handles. Open all
clamp holders.
NOTE: Inform orthopaedic supervisor if equipment is unserviceable and secure serviceable equipment.
b. Inspect orthopaedic bed as follows:
(1) Bed rails are in the upright position and locked.
(2) Bed electrical cord/plug are not frayed.
(3) Remote control buttons are operational( e.g. head/foot elevation, raise/lower position, and
nurse call button).
(4) Bed wheels are locked.
NOTE: Inform nurse if any of (1)-(4) failed and inspect another bed.

5. Identify yourself to the patient.
NOTE: Tell the patient your name and job title.
6. Explain the procedure to the patient.

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