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.

Key concepts

Pediatric Nursing

Pediatric nursing is a specialized branch of nursing focused on the care of infants, children, and adolescents. This field requires a detailed understanding of child development and a compassionate approach to the emotional and physical needs of young patients. Nurses in this area are trained to handle a variety of conditions that affect young children.
Pediatric nurses are skilled in:

• Monitoring growth and development to identify any potential health issues early on.
• Administering age-appropriate medications and treatments.
• Communicating effectively with both children and their caregivers. This involves explaining medical procedures in simple terms.
• Offering emotional support and reassurance during hospital stays or medical procedures.

Effective pediatric nursing requires not just medical knowledge, but also the ability to create a comforting environment for young patients and their families. This is especially crucial when children undergo specific treatments like Bryant’s traction, where they need to stay calm and stationary for healing.

Hip Dysplasia Treatment

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly. This can lead to a loose joint and potential dislocation. In young children, timely treatment is crucial to ensure normal hip development and prevent future complications.
Bryant's traction is one of the treatments used, especially in younger children who weigh less than 30 pounds. The aim of this traction is to:

• Align the hips properly by keeping the hips and legs elevated.
• Promote healing by holding the joint in the correct position.
• Help prevent or correct dislocation of the hip joint.

While under Bryant's traction, children need careful monitoring to ensure the traction setup remains effective. Nurses check that the child's hips are slightly elevated above the bed with legs suspended at a right angle." This setup is essential in providing the necessary alignment for healing.

Nursing Exam Preparation

Preparing for a nursing exam, particularly in specialized fields like pediatric nursing, requires careful study and a strong grasp of nursing principles and procedures. Here are some effective strategies:

• Deepen your understanding of common pediatric conditions such as hip dysplasia and associated treatments like Bryant's traction. Knowing why certain treatments are needed helps in mastering the content.
• Practice analyzing case scenarios and making decisions based on your nursing knowledge. This is similar to how options in the exercise were evaluated.
• Memorize key concepts using flashcards or group study sessions. This can be helpful for retaining information on pediatric health.
• Participate in practical scenarios or simulations if available. This can build confidence in nursing skills.

By using these methods, nursing students can reinforce their knowledge, prepare for exams, and become well-equipped to provide high-quality care in their future careers.