Page 2487 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

dislocations of the cervical or upper thoracic spine.
2. Two types of equipment used for cervical traction are
skull (cervical) tongs and halo traction (halo fixation
device).
3. Skull tongs
a. Skull tongs are inserted into the outer
aspect of the client’s skull, and traction
is applied.

b. Weights are attached to the

tongs, and the client is used as
countertraction. The nurse should not
add or remove weights.
c. Determine the amount of weight
prescribed to be added to the traction.
d. Ensure that weights hang securely and
freely at all times.
e. Ensure that the ropes for the traction
remain within the pulley.
f. Maintain body alignment and maintain
care of the client on a special bed (such
as a RotoRest bed or Stryker or Foster
frame) as prescribed.
g. Turn the client every 2 hours.
h. Assess the insertion site of the tongs for
infection.
i. Provide sterile pin site care as
prescribed.
4. Halo traction
a. Halo traction is a static traction device
that consists of a headpiece with 4
pins, 2 anterior and 2 posterior,
inserted into the client’s skull.
b. The metal halo ring may be attached to
a vest (jacket) or cast when the spine is
stable, allowing increased client
mobility.
c. Monitor the client’s neurological status
for changes in movement or decreased
strength.

d. Never move or turn the client

by holding or pulling on the halo
traction device.
e. Assess for tightness of the jacket by
ensuring that 1 finger can be placed
under the jacket.

2487