PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

When delegating the task of repositioning a client in skeletal traction, which instruction is most appropriate for the nurse to give to the assistive personnel?

1. Allow the weights to hang freely.

2. Release the tension of the ropes.

3. Remove the weights when rewrapping bandages.

4. Manually lift the weights when moving the client up in bed.

The correct answer is: Allow the weights to hang freely.

Allowing the weights to hang freely is crucial when repositioning a client in skeletal traction. This practice ensures that the prescribed line of pull from the traction is maintained, which is essential for proper alignment and stabilization of the fractured bone or affected area. Free-hanging weights prevent undue stress on the skeletal system and promote healing by keeping the traction apparatus functioning as intended. Other instructions might undermine the integrity of the traction. For instance, releasing the tension of the ropes could destabilize the fracture alignment and impede the healing process. Removing the weights when rewrapping bandages would similarly disrupt the traction setup, and manually lifting the weights while moving the client can lead to misalignment and discomfort. By instructing the assistive personnel to allow the weights to hang freely, the nurse ensures that traction is maintained safely and effectively during the repositioning process.