A patient complains of a slight tingling in the toes of the affected leg 2 hours after the application of Buck's traction with a foam boot with Velcro straps
Which nursing intervention will prevent potential complications related to the patient complaint? a. Apply warm blankets to the feet and reas-sess.
b. Check the fit of the traction device near the knee.
c. Medicate the patient for pain with an opioid analgesic.
d. Reassure the patient that this is a common complaint.
B
Tingling in tissue distal to a potential constriction indicates neurovascular impairment caused by nerve compression or irritation. The nurse should inspect the patient's knee area because this area is most likely to be affected by pressure from the traction device. Nursing intervention can prevent a potential complication of neurovascular impairment such as nerve damage by detecting the source of the pressure and eliminating the pressure. Warm blankets might be applied to in-crease regional tissue warmth and comfort, but they do not address the possible constriction. Al-though effective for pain, opioid analgesic agents are ineffective therapy for tingling unless ad-ministered in excessive doses that alter the level of consciousness. Addressing the cause of the tingling is more important. It is inappropriate to assure the patient that the complaint is common since tingling is a sign of nerve compression and the compression needs to be alleviated.
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