Traction

Etiology / Pathophysiology

• Traction aligns bones or reduces muscle spasm by applying pulling force.
• Continuous force maintains alignment; interruption reduces therapeutic effect.

Medications

No specific medication class was seeded for this card.

Nursing actions

• Keep weights hanging freely and ropes in pulleys.
• Do not remove weights unless ordered or emergency policy requires.
• Assess skin, pin sites for skeletal traction, and neurovascular status.

Complications

• Skin breakdown
• Infection at pin sites
• Neurovascular compromise

NCLEX cues

• Weights should not rest on floor.
• Body alignment matters.

Memory hooks

• Traction works only when pull is continuous.

Labs / Diagnostics

• Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.

Review notes

• Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.