Procedure and CARE OF PATIENT IN SKIN TRACTION

Procedure on how to care for patient in skin traction

1. CARE OF PATIENT IN SKIN TRACTION GROUP 6 NURSING PRACTICUM

2. SKIN TRACTION Skin traction is used to control muscle spasms and to immobilize an area. Skin traction is accomplished by using a weight to pull on traction tape or on a foam boot attached to the skin. The amount of weight applied must not exceed the tolerance of the skin. No more than 2 to 3.5 kg (4.5 to 8 lb) of traction can be used on an extremity.

3. SKIN TRACTION Pelvic traction is usually 4.5 to 9 kg (10 to 20 lb), depending on the weight of the patient. Types of skin traction used for adults include Buck’s extension traction (applied to the lower leg), the cervical head halter (occasionally used to treat neck pain), and the pelvic belt (sometimes used to treat back pain

4. Buck’s Extension Traction Buck’s extension traction (unilateral or bilateral) is skin traction to the lower leg. The pull is exerted in one plane when partial or temporary immobilization is desired. It is used toprovide immobility after fractures of the proximal femur before surgical fixation

5. Buck’s Extension Traction

6. CARE OF A PATIENT IN SKIN TRACTION REQUIREMENT * Vital signs tray * Rope * Puller * Traction kits * Prescribed weight see

7. PROCEDURE 1.Explains procedure to patient and provides privacy 2.Sets trolley with sterile dressing set. sterile cotton balls. sterile gauze packs, normal saline and povidine iodine 3.Washes hands and observes infection prevention measures and inspects the traction apparatus 4.Ensures patient is in the appropriate position. and checks that the head, knee and foot of the bed are properly elevated and trapeze well padded 5.Turn patient as a unit to prevent neck from twisting

8. PROCEDURE 6.In case of displacement of bandage or traction kit support the leg, remove the weight. place sandbag or water bags on either sides of the leg to maintain proper alignment 7.Assess neuro vascular status of the affected extremity

9. PROCEDURE 8.Inspects carefully the pin site daily to detect infections early and provides pin site care using aseptic technique 9.Removes crusts from site and applies prescribes dressing agents and loosely applies gauze dressing around the pin site. obtain sample if purulent for laboratory investigation

10. PROCEDURE 10 . Teaches patient flexion and extension of affected limbs toes and range of motion exercises of the unaffected limb 11 . Thank patient for his cooperation 12 . Washes . dries hands and document procedure noting abnormalities THANK YOU