Question

The nurse on the orthopedic unit is giving instructions to a student nurse caring for a client in skeletal traction. Which is most important for the nurse to tell the student to report? A. Complaints of mild pain B. Small amounts of clear drainage from the pin sites C. Requests for a position change D. Looseness of the pins on the traction device

Short answer

Answer: D. Looseness of the pins on the traction device.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the options

First, let's understand each option and what it implies: A. Complaints of mild pain - This might be normal as the patient is in skeletal traction, and some degree of discomfort is expected. B. Small amounts of clear drainage from the pin sites - This could indicate a low risk of infection but should still be monitored closely. C. Requests for a position change - This might be needed for the patient's comfort; however, it's usually not a critical issue. D. Looseness of the pins on the traction device - This could lead to ineffective traction and potential complications, such as further injury or improper healing.

Analyzing the importance of each option

Now, let's analyze which option is the most important to report: A. Complaints of mild pain are expected in the patient and do not pose immediate danger. B. Clear drainage from the pin sites might warrant observation but is not necessarily a critical issue. C. A position change request is mainly for comfort; therefore, it isn't a significant concern. D. If the pins on the traction device are loose, it could lead to ineffective treatment and pose risks for the patient, which requires immediate attention and reporting.

Choosing the correct answer

Based on the analysis, the most important event for the nurse to report is: D. Looseness of the pins on the traction device, as it requires immediate attention and can lead to serious complications for the patient.