Page 45 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

Performance Steps
b. Release patient's fingers and the nail beds will return pink .
CAUTION: If capillary refill is delayed for more than 2 seconds inform physician and follow physician's
order.

25. Inspect overhead traction frame and bed.
a. All clamps are tightened and locked.
b. Bed rails upright and locked.
c. Bed wheels are locked.

26. 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 or frame.
b. All knots are secured ( tapped ).
c. All traction cords are centered on the pulley tracks.
d. All traction cords are hanging freely w/o touching the bed, floor or frame.
NOTE: Traction equipment is checked daily to promote effective medical care to the patient.
27. Give patient verbal instruction on Dunlop traction.
a. Inform patient to press the nurse call button on the side of the bed rails for assistance.
b. The patient's humerus should be extended off the bed to assist with bone alignment.
Note: The distance between the injured humerus and the mattress should be measured with the ruler
between 2 to 3 inches.
c. Patient should only remove Dunlop traction with physician's permission.
d. The adhesive vent foam strap should not impede circulation to the hands and fingers.

Performance Measures GO NO GO
1. Received the order form 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 the patient. —— ——
6. Explained the procedure to the patient. —— ——

7. Positioned the supine patient in the middle of the bed. —— ——
8. Prepared patient's injured arm for Dunlop's traction. —— ——
9. Checked patient capillary refill of both hands. —— ——

10. Applied skin adherent to patient's injured arm. —— ——
11. Secured adhesive vent foam strap with Nelson finger exerciser/spreader block to —— ——
injured arm.
12. Secured 44 inch single clamp bar to the long bar on the overhead frame. —— ——

13. Secured (2) pulley attachments to the distal end of single clamp bar. —— ——
14. Tied traction cord to Nelson finger exerciser/ spreader block and weight carrier. —— ——

15. Placed canvas sling on top of biceps muscle. —— ——
16. Inserted spreader bar ends into perforated holes on the canvas sling . —— ——

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