Final answer:
A Practical Nurse caring for an 8-year-old in 90-90 traction for a femur fracture would focus on alignment and tension of the traction, skin and neurovascular assessments, and providing holistic care, including possible surgical interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
An 8-year-old placed in 90-90 traction for a fractured femur could benefit from several supportive care measures by the Practical Nurse (PN). To ensure proper healing and reduce complications, the PN should regularly assess the traction setup for correct alignment and tension. Frequent monitoring of skin integrity, neurovascular status, and signs of infection at pin sites is essential. Additionally, helping the child with physical needs, providing emotional support, and involving a pediatric multidisciplinary team for rehabilitation may further aid recovery.
According to the reference information, when a child's femur is fractured, similar techniques to those described for stabilizing a fractured radius with metal plates and screws, as well as using an intramedullary rod, can be applied. This knowledge is vital as it informs the PN and other healthcare professionals about possible surgical interventions that might be necessary if the fracture does not heal correctly with traction alone.