Question

A client is in skin traction while awaiting surgery for repair of a fractured femur. The client reports leg discomfort and asks the nurse to release the traction. Which is the nurse's best initial response?

A) I'll get you some pain medication.
B) I'll release the traction and inform the surgeon.
C) The traction helps stabilize the bone for surgery.
D) Let me adjust the traction weight for you.

Answer 1

The nurse's best initial response is to explain that the traction helps stabilize the bone for surgery and explore alternative measures to address leg discomfort.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best initial response is option C) The traction helps stabilize the bone for surgery.

By choosing option C, the nurse can educate the client on the purpose of skin traction, which is to stabilize the fractured bone prior to surgery. Releasing the traction prematurely may compromise the bone alignment and delay the surgical repair. The nurse can also reassure the client that other measures, such as pain medication and adjusting the traction weight, can be explored to address the leg discomfort.