Question

To maintain Bryant's traction, the nurse must make certain that the child's: A. Hips are resting on the bed with the legs suspended at a right angle to the bed B. Hips are slightly elevated above the bed and the legs suspended at a right angle to the bed C. Hips are elevated above the level of the body on a pillow and the legs suspended parallel to the bed D. Hips and legs are flat on the bed, with the traction positioned at the foot of the bed

Short answer

Answer: The correct position for a child in Bryant's traction is with the hips slightly elevated above the bed and the legs suspended at a right angle to the bed (Option B).

Step-by-step solution

Understand Bryant's Traction

Bryant's traction is a type of skin traction used for young children (usually under 2 years old) with certain hip and leg conditions such as developmental hip dysplasia or leg fractures. The goal of this traction is to maintain the legs in a fixed position to promote healing and alignment.

Analyze Option A

Option A states that the hips are resting on the bed with the legs suspended at a right angle to the bed. This does not provide the necessary elevation or alignment for the hips and legs in Bryant's traction.

Analyze Option B

Option B states that hips are slightly elevated above the bed and the legs are suspended at a right angle to the bed. This configuration aligns with the requirements for maintaining Bryant's traction, as the hips are slightly elevated and the legs are at a right angle.

Analyze Option C

Option C states that the hips are elevated above the level of the body on a pillow and the legs are suspended parallel to the bed. This position does not provide the necessary right angle between the legs and bed, which is an essential component of Bryant's traction.

Analyze Option D

Option D states that the hips and legs are flat on the bed, with the traction positioned at the foot of the bed. This position does not provide the necessary elevation or alignment for Bryant's traction, as the hips and legs need to be slightly elevated and at a right angle.

Determine the Correct Answer

After analyzing each option, we can conclude that Option B, in which the hips are slightly elevated above the bed and the legs suspended at a right angle to the bed, is the correct position to maintain Bryant's traction for a child.