Question

a nurse is caring for a client who is in skeletal traction following a femur fracture. the nurse finds the client has slid down toward the foot of the bed and the traction weight is resting on the floor. which of the following actions should the nurse take?
remove the weight temporarily to reposition the client to the correct alignment in bed.
have the client use a trapeze to pull himself up while ensuring the weight hangs freely.
lift the rope off the pulley while the client rocks back and forth to reposition.
lift the weight manually while another staff member moves the client up in bed.

Explanation:

In skeletal traction, the traction weight must hang freely at all times to maintain proper alignment and effective traction. Removing the weight (first option) or interfering with the pulley/rope (third option) disrupts traction. Lifting the weight manually (fourth option) is not safe or standard. Using a trapeze allows the client to reposition themselves while keeping the weight free, which is the correct nursing action.

Answer:

B. Have the client use a trapeze to pull himself up while ensuring the weight hangs freely.