Page 39 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

Performance Steps
CAUTION: If capillary refill is delayed for more than 2 seconds inform physician and follow physician's
order.
27. Inspect overhead traction frame and bed.
a. All clamps are tightened and locked.
b. Bed rails are upright and locked.
c. Bed wheels are locked.
28. Inspect traction equipment.
NOTE: Traction principles promote the effectiveness of traction. Any type of friction will reduce the
efficiency of traction and hinder the pull and cause further discomfort to the patient.
a. The weight carriers are hanging freely w/ o touching the bed/floor/frame.
b. All knots are secured ( tapped ).
c. All traction cords are centered on the track of the pulleys.
d. All traction cords are hanging freely w/o touching the bed or frame.
NOTE: Traction equipment is checked daily to promote effective medical care to the patient.

29. Give patient verbal instruction on Russell traction
a. Inform patient to press the nurse call button on the side of the bed rails for assistance.
b. The heel must remain off the bed.
CAUTION: Pressure sores may develop if heel remains in contact with the bed surface for a extended
time.

Performance Measures GO NO GO

1. Received the order from the physician(reviewed if in writing) —— ——
2. Gathered needed equipment —— ——

3. Assembled materials —— ——
4. Checked serviceability of overhead traction frame and bed. —— ——
5. Identified yourself to patient. —— ——

6. Explained the procedure to the patient. —— ——
7. Positioned the supine patient in the middle of the bed. —— ——

8. Prepared patient's injured leg and ankle for Russell's traction. —— ——
9. Checked patient's capillary refill of both feet. —— ——

10. Applied skin adherent to injured leg. —— ——
11. Secured vent foam strap or Buck's boot with spreader block to injured leg. —— ——

12. Secured 18 inch single clamp bar to overhead traction bar. —— ——
13. Secured pulley attachment to the 18 inch single clamp bar in alignment with the —— ——
injured knee.

14. Secured 9 inch single clamp (horizontally) to the crossbar at the foot of bed, —— ——
medial to the injured leg.

15. Secured 9 inch single clamp bar to distal end of above single clamp bar. —— ——
16. Secured center clamp bar vertically to 9 inch single clamp bar. —— ——

17. Secured (2) pulleys to the center clamp bar 10 inches apart. —— ——

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