The nurse is caring for a patient placed in traction to treat a fractured femur. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
A) Assessing the extremity for neurovascular integrity
B) Keeping the patient from sliding to the foot of the bed
C) Keeping the ropes over the center of the pulley
D) Ensuring that the weights hang freely at all times
Ans: A
Feedback: Although all of these nursing interventions are correct, assessing neurovascular integrity takes priority. The pull of the traction must be continuous to keep the patient from sliding. Sufficient countertraction must be maintained at all times by keeping the ropes over the center of the pulley. The line of pull is maintained by allowing the weights to hang freely.
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