Question

A nurse is caring for a child with a fracture who is placed in skeletal traction. The nurse monitors for the most serious complication associated with this type of traction by checking for____________

Answer 1

Serious complications the nurse should monitor for in a child in skeletal traction include infection, fat embolism, and deep vein thrombosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse caring for a child with a fracture placed in skeletal traction should monitor for the most serious complication associated with this type of traction by checking for signs of infection, fat embolism, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These complications can arise due to the invasive nature of skeletal traction, where pins and wires are inserted directly into the bone.

Particularly, fat embolism is a grave concern when dealing with fractures such as a broken femur, as fat globules released into the bloodstream can lead to respiratory distress and potential death if not promptly addressed. Moreover, the immobility caused by traction may increase the risk of DVT, potentially leading to pulmonary embolism. Infections can occur at the pin sites and are critical to prevent for the well-being of the patient.