Page 4 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

APPLY BRYANT'S TRACTION
081-834-0001
Conditions: Given a child requiring Bryant's traction, on an power controlled orthopaedic crib/bed
with overhead traction frame, accompanied by parent(s), family member, nursing personnel, physician,
physician's written or verbal order, child's medical record, or Standard Form 513, work cart/station, (2)
rolls of adhesive vent foam straps , roll of 2 inch webril, (2) 2 inch elastic bandages, (2) spreader blocks,
spool of traction cord, (4) pulleys witch attachments, (3) skin adherent ( benzoin ) or non allergic
substitute( e.g.mastisol ) applicators, roll of 2 inch adhesive or paper tape, (2) safety pins, (2) weight
carriers, (2) 5lb cast iron weight plates ( weights are packaged in 1, 2, 5, or 10 lb increments), (2) short
plain bars, (4) cross clamps, (2) 5 or 9 inch single clamp bars, 66 inch swivel clamp bar with upper and
lower panel clamps, 27 inch single clamp bar, 36 inch center clamp bar, hand towel or sheet , ruler ,
goniometer, scissors, box of examination gloves and trash receptacle.

Standards: Is reached when adhesive vent foam straps with spreader blocks attached are secured to
both legs with child secured to the bed. Traction cords are tied to spreader blocks, threaded through
pulleys and tied to weight carriers at foot of bed. Weight plates identified in the physician's order are
applied to weight carriers. The child's buttocks are maintained no more than 3 inches above the bed
surface. 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 equipment to include spreader blocks, pulleys, weight carriers, weight plates, short plain
bars, cross clamps, single clamp bars, swivel clamp bar with upper and lower panel clamps, and
center clamp bars. Place on work cart/station.
3. Assemble materials to include tape, elastic bandages, spool of traction cord, safety pins,
sheet/towel, webril, skin adherent with applicators, adhesive vent foam straps, ruler, goniometer,
scissors, and exam gloves. 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, equipment and bed.
a. Inspect traction equipment for cracked, dented, and warped bars or broken handles and
open all clamp holders.
NOTE: Turn all unserviceable equipment over to supervisor and continue to gather serviceable
equipment.
b. Inspect orthopaedic bed/crib as follows:
(1) Bed remote control buttons are operational(e.g.head/foot elevation, raise/lower position,
nurse call button).
(2) 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 parent(s).
NOTE: Tell parent (s) your name and job title.

6. Explain the procedure to the parent(s).

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