Final answer:
Crusting at the pin sites in a client with skeletal traction for a tibia-fibula fracture indicates an infection. It is important to monitor the pin sites for signs of infection and notify the healthcare provider if crusting is observed. Infections at the pin sites can lead to complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Crusting at the pin sites in a client with skeletal traction for a tibia-fibula fracture indicates an infection. It is important to monitor the pin sites for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and discharge. Crusting can occur as a result of the body's immune response to the infection, leading to the formation of a scab-like crust.
If crusting is observed, it is crucial to notify the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and appropriate management. Infections at the pin sites can lead to complications, including osteomyelitis (infection of the bone) or cellulitis (infection of the surrounding soft tissues).