Page 47 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

APPLY PELVIC TRACTION
081-834-0007
Conditions: Given a patient requiring Pelvic traction supine on a powered 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, adjustable pelvic traction belt with straps
and D-ring attachments, (2) safety pins,(2) S-hooks, spool of traction cord , (2) pulleys with attachment,
(2) 5 or 9 inch single clamp bars, plain single bar, (2) cross clamps, (2) 10 lb weight plates (1,2, 4, 5, or
10 lb increments), (2 ) weight carriers, (2) 8 x 7 inch surgipads, orthopaedic felt or kerlix pads, roll of 2
inch paper tape, roll of 2 in webril, tape measure, goniometer, scissors, examination gloves, pillow, work
cart/station, trapeze and trash receptacle

Standards: Is reached when the pelvic belt is secured on the patient at or slightly below the greater
trochanter of each femur. The pelvic straps attached to the belt are maintained between a 30 - 45
degree angle to the bed . The traction cord is tied to the pelvic straps, threaded through the pulleys and
tied to the weight carriers at the foot of the bed. Physician ordered weight plates are attached to the
weight carriers. The capillary refill test is administrated to the toes and passed successfully.

Performance Steps

1. Receive the order from the physician (review if in writing)
2. Gather needed equipment to include pelvic traction belt w/ D rings, pulleys, weight carriers, weight
plates, single clamp bars, single plain bar, cross clamps, and S hooks.
3. Assemble materials to include paper tape, elastic bandages, spool of traction cord, webril,
surgipads, safety pins, examination gloves, scissors and goniometer. 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 and bed.
a. Inspect traction equipment for cracked, dented, and warped bars, or broken handles. Open all
clamp holders and place on work cart/station.
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.
(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 any of (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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