A patient has just begun been receiving skeletal traction and the nurse is aware that muscles in the patient's affected limb are spastic. How does this change in muscle tone affect the patient's traction prescription?
A) Traction must temporarily be aligned in a slightly different direction.
B) Extra weight is needed initially to keep the limb in proper alignment.
C) A lighter weight should be initially used.
D) Weight will temporarily alternate between heavier and lighter weights.
Ans: B
Feedback:
The traction weights applied initially must overcome the shortening spasms of the affected muscles. As the muscles relax, the traction weight is reduced to prevent fracture dislocation and to promote healing. Weights never alternate between heavy and light.
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