Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a client in skeletal traction?

For a client in skeletal traction, assessing the pin sites at least every shift and as needed is a crucial nursing intervention. This is because skeletal traction involves the use of pins or wires that are inserted into the bone and connected to weights to realign fractures. The pin sites are potential areas for infection and complications, so regular assessments help monitor for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, drainage, or increased pain at the insertion sites.

Regular evaluation ensures that any issues can be identified and addressed promptly, ultimately contributing to the client's overall recovery and safety. Thorough monitoring of the pin sites reflects the principles of infection control and safe nursing practices, allowing the healthcare team to intervene early if necessary. This focus on the integrity and condition of the traction setup directly impacts the effectiveness of the treatment and the client's comfort.

Other choices, while they may involve aspects of care, do not prioritize the critical need for monitoring potential infection or complications related to the traction setup. Adjusting weights at the client's request may jeopardize the alignment of the fracture, ensuring knot security is important but secondary to patient monitoring, and performing range of motion exercises may not be appropriate in certain phases of healing in skeletal traction.