16
How should you pick up a cast if its wet
With your palms
what is the purpose of traction
Regain normal length and alignment of involved bone
lessen or alleviate muscle spasm
Relieve pressure on nerves
prevent or reduce skeletal deformities or muscle contractures
How much weight is applied to bucks traction
8-20 pounds
Amputation
What is the cause of acute low back pain
*4
Strain
unstable ligaments
spinal stenosis
disk problems
How do you manage pain with cast care
Elevation
ice
analgesics
Used to control muscle spasms and to immobilize before surGerry 24-72 hours.
5-10 pounds weight
Skin traction
Running traction in which the pull is only in one direction
Bryants traction
How long does phantom pain last
2-3 months
What are the two main categories of acute low back pain
Mechanical strain
herniation of nucleus pulposus
How do you reduce edema with a cast
Elevate limb
Russel’s traction
Uses skin traction to lower legs and a padded sling under knee
2 lines of pull, longitudinal and perpendicular to the legs
hip flexion must be kept at prescribed angle
used for femur fracture, hip/knee contractures
True or false
bucks tractions primary use is for hip/knee contractures
false
the primary use is dislocated or fracture of hip, femur, and lower back pain
What is the goal of an amputation
Relieve symptoms
improve function
save or improve QOL
pain >3 months
Radiculopathy
sciatica
fatigue
decreased gait/mobility
muscle spasms
history of precipitation
Clinical signs of acute low back pain
S/s of infection
Pressure applied directly to the bone using pins or wires
balanced suspension that is hanging support to immobilize the body part
skeletal traction
Potential complications of traction use
Skin breakdown
nerve pressure
circulatory impairment
all other system immobility complications
causes of an amputation
*6
DM,
progressive PVD,
trauma,
congenital deformities,
chronic osteomyelitis,
osteosarcoma
Management of low back pain
*8
rest, decrease stress
tramadol ibuprofen, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids
heat or cold, traction, massage
weight loss
exercise/pt
prevention, educate!
surgery-laminaectomy, discectomy, spinal fusion
What does petal mean in cast care
Smooth edges
Nursing care of the client in traction
*8
Ensure all ropes, weight, and pulleys are hanging freely and in a straight line
bed linen should be kept off traction rope
ensure ordered amount of weight
avoid jarring bed or equipment
neurovascular assessment
skin assessment
pine site assessment and cares
teach increased fluids C&DB. ROM exercizes
Principles of effective traction
Counter traction must be maintained
must be continuous to be effective in reducing and immobilizing fracture
skeletal traction is never interrupted
weights are nor removed unless intermittent traction is applied
keep weight hanging freely ropes unobstructed
Complications of amputation
*5
Hemorrhage
infection
skin breakdown
phantom limb pain
joint contractions
Etiologies of low back pain
*8
Hyperflexion of neck
MVA
lifting
obesity
DJD
occupational hazards
spinal nerve compression
herniated disc