Page 50 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

Performance Steps

16. Place straps on pelvic belt.
a. Place one pelvic belt strap to the posterior aspect of the belt, bisecting the hip.
NOTE: The patient will need to be moved for proper placement of the posterior strap. Nursing
assistance is authorized.
b. Place second pelvic belt strap to the lateral aspect of the belt, bisecting the femur.
c. Adjust straps on pelvic belt .
NOTE: The belts should not be loose. Adjust the buckles on the straps as needed.
d. Adjust padding between buckles and patient's skin as needed.
17. Attach S hooks to D rings.
NOTE: If S hooks are not available tie traction cord directly to the D rings.
18. Tie traction cords to S hooks and weight carriers .
a. Cut traction cord in (2) 10 feet increments.
b. Tie a non slip knot to S hooks of D rings.
c. Thread opposite end of the traction cords through each of the pulleys at the foot of the bed.
d. Tie a non slip knot to each hook on the weight carriers.
CAUTION: If a pillow is placed under the knees when traction is initially set up, it must remain in place.
Removing it may cause further injury to the patient.

19. Apply weight plates to weight carriers.
CAUTION: Always inform the patient prior to adding or removing weight plates.

NOTE: Physician's order will determine the specific amount of weight plates to be used.

20. Elevate or raise the foot of the bed.
NOTE: The bed is elevated or raised to provide counter traction which will assist in reducing muscle
strain of the patient's injured hip.

NOTE: If bed is non electric manually raise(gatchet) the foot of bed. If bed is electric press button on
control panel.

NOTE: The physician's order will indicate the bed elevation requirement.
21. Measure pelvic straps between 30-45 degree angle to the bed with goniometer.
a. Place the stationary arm of the goniometer horizontally, bisecting the lateral aspect of the top
strap.
b. Place the moving arm of the goniometer horizontally , bisecting the bottom strap.
c. Place the protractor of the goniometer on the buckle of the strap.
d. Set the straps until the goniometer measures the straps between 30-45 degree of flexion.
NOTE: If angle is less than 30 or more than 45 degrees, remove weight plates, go to step 16 then 20
and repeat to obtain alignment .

22. Check single clamp bars alignment to patient's legs..
a. 1st single clamp bar is lateral to the right femur and pelvis
b. 2nd single clamp bar lateral to the left femur and pelvis
NOTE: If single clamp bars are not aligned with legs, remove weight plates and return to step 13.

23. Check patient's capillary refill of both feet.
CAUTION: Prior to starting and finishing any procedure on a patient, circulation is always checked.
a. Squeeze the patient toes and the nail beds will turn white.
b. Release patient's toes 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.
24. Inspect overhead traction frame and bed.
a. All clamps are tightened and locked.

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