Page 358 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

APPLY RIGHT ANGLE SKIN/SKELETAL TRACTION
081-834-0070
Conditions: Given a patient requiring Right Angle traction in supine position on a power controlled
orthopaedic bed with overhead traction frame nursing personnel, physician, physician's written or verbal
order, patient medical record or Standard Form 513, (3) skin adherent (benzoin/mastisol) w/
applicators, roll of adhesive vent foam strap, (2) 3 inch elastic bandages, Nelson finger exerciser,
spreader bar, spreader block, (2) pulleys with attachment, spool of traction cord, (2) 8 x 7 inch surgipad
pads, webril or equivalent, canvas sling, 18 inch single clamp bar, (2) weight carriers, (2) weight plates
(1, 2, 4, 5 or 10 lbs. increments), roll of 2 inch adhesive tape, ruler, scissors, examination gloves,
goniometer and trash receptacle.

Standards: Is reached when the adhesive vent foam strap with spreader block / Nelson finger exerciser
is secured to the injured arm. The arm is maintained at a 90 degree angle to the bed with traction cord
tied to the spreader block, threaded through the pulleys at the end of the single clamp bar and tied to the
weight holder. A canvas sling with spreader bar is applied to the biceps region of the upper arm with
weight holder attached. Weight plates identified in the physician's order are applied to the weight
carriers at the side of the bed. Capillary refill test is administrated to fingers and passed successfully.

Performance Steps
1. Receive the order from the physician (review if in writing).

2. Gather needed equipment to include spreader block, spreader bar, pulleys, weight carriers, weight
plates, single clamp bar, adhesive vent foam strap, and canvas sling.

3. Assemble materials to include paper tape, elastic bandages, traction cord, webril, skin adherent
with applicator, examination gloves, scissors, ruler 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: 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.
NOTE: Do not raise the bed rail on the patient's affected side.
(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 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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