Fracture Quiz: Can You Manage The Traction?

1. Which fracture type typically requires skeletal traction rather than skin traction?

Simple clavicle fracture

Femoral shaft fracture with significant displacement

Wrist fracture without neurovascular compromise

Ankle fracture with mild swelling

2. A patient with a femoral fracture is moved from skin traction to skeletal traction. What is the main reason for this change?

Skin traction causes too much pain

Skeletal traction provides stronger, more controlled reduction force

Patient preference for skeletal pins

Skin traction cannot be used for femoral fractures

3. Which assessment finding in a patient with skeletal traction suggests hypovolemia?

Increased urine output and clear urine

Tachycardia, hypotension, and decreased urine output

Bradycardia with bounding pulses

Peripheral edema and weight gain

4. A patient in pelvic traction is scheduled for a bowel movement. What position modification is necessary?

Maintain full supine position throughout

Use a bedpan while maintaining traction alignment

Temporarily discontinue traction for toileting

Elevate head of bed to 90 degrees

5. When caring for pin sites in skeletal traction, which finding warrants immediate notification of the physician?

Minimal serous drainage

Slight redness immediately around the pin

Purulent drainage with surrounding erythema and edema

Pin site crusting after 48 hours

6. A patient in balanced suspension traction has the Thomas splint. What is the primary benefit of this setup?

Eliminates the need for analgesia

Allows patient mobility while maintaining traction

Prevents all movement of the fractured limb

Reduces hospital stay duration

7. Which nursing intervention best prevents foot drop in a patient with long-term lower extremity traction?

Frequent position changes every hour

Footboard placement and ankle exercises

Elevation of the affected leg

Continuous passive motion only

8. A patient with a humeral fracture in overhead arm traction reports numbness in the hand. Which nerve is likely compressed?

Radial nerve

Ulnar nerve

Median nerve

Axillary nerve

9. What is the correct nursing action when a patient in traction reports the rope is frayed?

Continue monitoring; minor fraying is acceptable

Notify the physician or physical therapist immediately

Wrap the rope with tape as a temporary fix

Adjust the pulley system to relieve tension

10. A patient in cervical traction reports neck stiffness and difficulty swallowing. What should you assess first?

Traction weight appropriateness

Airway patency and swallowing ability

Pin site drainage

Degree of neck flexion

11. A patient with a femoral shaft fracture is placed in skeletal traction. Which finding indicates proper traction alignment?

Limb is internally rotated 45 degrees

Affected limb is in neutral alignment with no adduction

Hip is flexed at 60 degrees

Knee is fully extended without support

12. A patient in Russell's traction reports itching under the skin traction straps. What is appropriate nursing care?

Loosen straps immediately to relieve itching

Inspect skin, apply powder, and monitor for breakdown

Remove traction temporarily for skin cleaning

Ignore as itching is normal with skin traction

13. Which sign suggests compartment syndrome developing in a fractured extremity?

Warmth and erythema at fracture site

Pain out of proportion to injury severity

Mild swelling that decreases with elevation

Pale skin with weak pedal pulses only

14. A patient with a tibia fracture has traction weights hanging freely. What nursing action is essential?

Ensure weights hang freely without touching the floor

Adjust weight every 2 hours

Place weights on the bed for patient comfort

Remove weights during range-of-motion exercises

15. When assessing a patient in traction, what does blanching of skin around pin sites indicate?

Normal pressure response

Excessive traction weight

Potential vascular compromise

Pin site healing progress

16. A patient with a pelvic fracture is in pelvic traction. Which position is contraindicated?

Supine with knees slightly flexed

Trendelenburg position

Head of bed elevated 30 degrees

Prone position for short periods

17. Which complication is most commonly associated with prolonged skeletal traction?

Pulmonary embolism

Pin site infection

Muscle atrophy

Cardiac arrhythmia

18. A patient in skeletal traction reports sudden severe pain and inability to move toes. What is your priority action?

Administer analgesics immediately

Assess neurovascular status and notify the physician

Reposition the patient for comfort

Document findings and monitor hourly

19. What is the primary purpose of Buck's traction in fracture management?

Permanent fracture reduction

Temporary immobilization and pain relief before surgery

Long-term weight-bearing rehabilitation

Prevention of deep vein thrombosis

Fracture Quiz: Can You Manage the Traction?