Page 35 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

APPLY RUSSELL'S TRACTION
081-834-0005
Conditions: Given a patient, requiring Russell's traction, supine on a power controlled orthopaedic bed
with overhead traction frame , family member (s), nursing personnel, physician, physician's written or
verbal order, patient's medical record or SF 513, spool of traction cord , (3) pulleys with attachment,
pillow, (2) 10 lb weight plates ( 1, 2, 4, 5, or 10 lbs. increments), weight carrier, 18 inch single clamp bar,
(3) 9 inch single clamp bars, center clamp bar, (2) 3 inch elastic bandages, canvas sling, (4) surgipads
or equivalent, spreader bar, spreader block, roll of 2 inch paper tape, Buck's traction boot, roll of
adhesive vent foam strap, (3) skin adhesive(benzoin/mastisol) applicators, trapeze, ruler, goniometer,
scissors, examination gloves, work cart/station 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 knee supported and suspended off the bed by a
padded knee sling is maintained between 25-35 degrees of flexion. Traction cord is tied to the spreader
bar, threaded through the pulley above the knee, through the pulleys at the foot of the bed and tied to
weight carrier. Weight plates identified in the physician's order are applied to weight carrier . Capillary
refill test is administered to the toes and passed successfully.

Performance Steps

1. Receive the order from the physician (review if in writing).
2. Gather needed equipment to include spreader block, pulleys, weight carrier, weight plates, single
clamp bars, adhesive vent foam strap or Buck's traction boot, canvas sling, center clamp bar,
spreader bar.

3. Assemble materials to include paper tape, elastic bandages traction cord, pillow, webril ,surgipads,
pillow, skin adherent with applicators, examination gloves, scissors and goniometer. Place on work
cart/station.
CAUTION: Do not use traction cords that are 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 and place on work cart/station.
NOTE: Turn all unserviceable equipment over to supervisor and continue to gather 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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