A nurse is caring for a child who has Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and is in Buck's traction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
The nurse should ensure that the rope knots are positioned away from the pulleys to prevent interference with the traction mechanism. Proper alignment of the rope and pulleys ensures smooth traction application and prevents accidental slippage or dislodgment of the traction weights. A. Buck's traction typically does not involve pin sites. It involves the application of traction to the affected limb using a boot or traction tape. Antibiotic ointment is not typically applied to the skin under Buck's traction unless there are specific wounds or abrasions that require treatment. C. Ensuring the child's feet are against the footboard is not applicable to Buck's traction, which does not require the feet to be against a footboard. D. There is typically no need to reduce a child's fluid intake solely because they are in Buck's traction for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Adequate hydration is essential for overall health and healing, and fluid restriction is not indicated unless there are specific medical reasons for doing so.