Page 41 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

APPLY DUNLOP TRACTION
081-834-0006
Conditions: Given a patient, requiring Dunlop traction, in supine position on a power controlled
orthopaedic bed with overhead traction frame , nursing personnel, family member (s), physician,
physician's written or verbal order, patient's medical record or Standard Form 513, work cart/station,
traction cart, spool of traction cord, (2) pulley attachments, (3) skin adherent ( benzoin/mastisol)
applicators, roll of 36-48 inch long adhesive vent foam strap, (2) 3 inch elastic bandages, Nelson finger
exerciser, spreader bar, spreader block, (2) 8 x 7 inch surgipads or 2 inch webril, canvas arm sling, 44
inch single clamp bar, (2) weight carriers, (2) 10 lb weight plates (1, 2, 4, 5 or 10 lbs. increments), roll of 2
inch paper tape, ruler, scissors, examination gloves, goniometer, trapeze 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 45 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 a
weight carrier. A canvas sling with spreader bar is applied to the biceps region of the upper arm with a
weight carrier 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 the 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, pulley attachments, Nelson
finger exerciser, weight carrier, weight plates, single clamp bar, roll of adhesive vent foam strap,
and canvas sling.
3. Assemble materials to include paper tape, elastic bandages, spool of traction cord, webril, skin
adherent applicators, examination gloves, scissors, ruler and goniometer. Place on work
cart/station.
CAUTION: Do not use traction cords that are frayed, worn or dirty, this is 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.

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