Question

A client with a leg fracture who has been placed in skeletal traction is transported to the orthopedic unit after surgery. Which finding would indicate the need to contact the orthopedic specialist?

a) Mild swelling at the fracture site
b) Capillary refill less than 3 seconds
c) Slight tingling sensation in the toes
d) Complaints of increasing pain

Answer 1

The need to contact the orthopedic specialist in a client with a leg fracture who has been placed in skeletal traction after surgery is indicated by complaints of increasing pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The finding that would indicate the need to contact the orthopedic specialist in a client with a leg fracture who has been placed in skeletal traction after surgery is d) Complaints of increasing pain. Mild swelling at the fracture site, capillary refill less than 3 seconds, and slight tingling sensation in the toes are expected findings after surgery and are not necessarily indicative of a complication. However, complaints of increasing pain may suggest a potential problem with the healing process or the effectiveness of the skeletal traction, which would require the attention of the orthopedic specialist.