Question

A 2-year-old is admitted for repair of a fractured femur and is placed in Bryant's traction. Which finding by the nurse indicates that the traction is working properly? A. The infant no longer complains of pain. B. The buttocks are \(15^{\circ}\) off the bed. C. The legs are suspended in the traction. D. The pins are secured within the pulley.

Short answer

Answer: The legs being suspended in the traction.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze option A

Option A states that the infant no longer complains of pain. An important aspect of successful traction is the reduction of pain resulting from the fracture. However, this alone may not be enough to conclude that the traction is working properly.

Analyze option B

Option B states that the buttocks are \(15^{\circ}\) off the bed. In Bryant's traction, the patient's hips should be slightly elevated to help maintain proper alignment and prevent further injury. However, the exact angle of the hips is not a crucial factor in determining the effectiveness of the traction.

Analyze option C

Option C states that the legs are suspended in the traction. The main principle of Bryant's traction is to suspend the legs in the air, immobilizing the fractured femur. Therefore, this option indicates that the traction is applied correctly and working properly.

Analyze option D

Option D states that the pins are secured within the pulley. While it is essential that the pins and pulleys are securely fastened, the focus in evaluating the effectiveness of Bryant's traction should be on the proper alignment and immobilization of the legs.

Select the best indicator

Based on the analysis of each option, we can conclude that Option C, the legs being suspended in the traction, is the best indicator that the Bryant's traction is working properly.

Key concepts

Pediatric Nursing

Pediatric nursing is a specialized field that deals with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. The fundamental objective of pediatric nursing is to ensure the growth, development, and optimal health of young patients in a family-centered care environment.

In the context of managing a fractured femur in a pediatric patient, nurses play a crucial role. They need to possess comprehensive knowledge of growth and development to understand the unique needs of children while also recognizing the variations in symptoms, responses to therapy, and developmental considerations among different ages. Pediatric nurses deliver care that includes the assessment of pain and discomfort, ensuring proper nutrition, providing emotional support, and often provide education to both the child and family members on how to manage the condition at home.

Orthopedic Traction

Orthopedic traction refers to the method of applying a pulling force to an injured part of the body or a limb. The main purpose of traction is to stretch and guide the body's skeletal system, ensuring correct alignment and relieving pressure from the compressed structures. It is commonly used for fractures, spine deformities, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

In pediatric orthopedic care, such as with Bryant's traction, applying the correct type and amount of force is vital, as children's bones and tissues are still developing. Traction in children must be monitored meticulously to prevent complications like nerve damage or reduced blood flow. It is vital for the medical team to educate the family on why traction is needed, how to adjust the weights, and how to make the child as comfortable as possible during this period of immobilization.

Fractured Femur Management

The management of a fractured femur, particularly in pediatric patients, includes ensuring proper alignment and stabilization of the fracture. Bryant's traction is a form of skin traction commonly used in young children with femur fractures. It is used to reduce muscle spasm, align the bones, and facilitate healing while keeping the child's thighs flexed at a right angle to the trunk.

Bryant's traction often involves elevating the end of the bed to achieve the counterforce needed for effective traction. Appropriate care includes regular assessments to ensure that the traction setup is correctly applied and to monitor the child for signs of complications such as skin irritation, swelling, or infection. Furthermore, ensuring that the child remains in the correct position to maintain the effectiveness of the traction is a crucial aspect of nursing care in this instance. The overall goal is to support the child's comfort, growth, and development while healing from the injury.