Page 2108 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

reduces muscle spasms.

2. Interventions

a. Maintain proper body alignment.
b. Ensure that the weights hang freely and
do not touch the floor.
c. Do not remove or lift the weights
without a PHCP’s prescription.
d. Ensure that pulleys are not obstructed
and that ropes in the pulleys move
freely.
e. Place knots in the ropes to prevent
slipping.
f. Check the ropes for fraying.
H. Skeletal traction
1. Description
a. Traction is applied mechanically to the
bone with pins, wires, or tongs.
b. Typical weight for skeletal traction is 25
to 40 lb (11 to 18 kg).

2. Interventions

a. Monitor color, motion, and sensation of
the affected extremity.
b. Monitor the insertion sites for redness,
swelling, drainage, or increased pain.
c. Provide insertion site care as prescribed.
3. Cervical tongs and a halo fixation device: See Chapter
58 regarding care of the client with these types of
devices.
I. Skin traction
1. Description: Skin traction is applied by using elastic
bandages or adhesive, foam boot, or sling.
2. Cervical skin traction relieves muscle spasms and
compression in the upper extremities and neck (see Fig.
60-4).
a. Cervical skin traction uses a head halter
and chin pad to attach the traction.
b. Use powder to protect the ears from
friction rub.

c. Position the client with the head

of the bed elevated 30 to 40 degrees, and
attach the weights to a pulley system
over the head of the bed.
3. Buck’s (extension) skin traction is used to alleviate
muscle spasms and immobilize a lower limb by

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