The patient is in Buck's traction for a fractured femur. What should the nurse do to minimize any muscle spasms of the affected leg?
a. Apply traction gradually, gently, and completely.
b. Assess the affected leg with the "four Ps" criterion.
c. Eliminate potential pressure points from the traction.
d. Ensure unobstructed countertraction to the patient's pelvis.
A
Muscle spasms associated with a fracture occur because nerves are irritated by bone fragments and occur more frequently at the initiation of therapy. The nurse attaches weight to the traction slowly, gradually, and completely to help prevent and eliminate muscle spasms of the affected leg. The weight, hanging freely, usually creates enough pull on the muscle to release the spasm without increasing pain. Countertraction to the pelvis is contraindicated in Buck's traction. As-sessing the four Ps (pounds, pull, pulleys, and pressure) ensures that traction is applied correctly. Eliminating potential pressure points is important but not related to muscle spasms.
You might also like to view...
The pharmacology instructor is discussing drugs used for the treatment of partial seizures. What accurately describes the physiological action of carbamazepine?
A) Reduces electrical activity B) Alters sodium and calcium channels C) Increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity and blocks sodium and calcium channels to stop action potentials D) Depresses conduction in the brainstem and cortex
A client with a fungal infection is prescribed griseofulvin (Fulvicin). What should the nurse instruct the client when taking this medication? (Select all that apply.)
1. Avoid alcohol 2. Restrict bathing 3. Take with meals 4. Avoid a high-fat diet 5. Increase exposure to sunlight
The nurse is preparing to administer a medication. Which six rights of drug administration should the nurse assess for prior to administering the prescribed medication? (Select all that apply.)
Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. 1. Right client 2. Right route of administration 3. Right dose 4. Right time of preparation 5. Right documentation
A nurse hears a colleague make the statement, "Most older adults have nothing to worry about financially." Which of the following responses is most appropriate?
A) "You have to remember that there's a huge economic disparity among older adults." B) "Actually, the number of older people living below the poverty line has been increasing, not decreasing." C) "This isn't really true now, but it is true that the gaps that disadvantaged groups live with are expected to shrink." D) "This is true for some groups, but not for minorities who are less likely to be living with their relatives."