A client with a complete transverse fracture of the left femur has been treated with an external fixator device. The nurse is caring for the client the day after the procedure. What would be an important nursing intervention in caring for this client?
1. Notify the physician for clear fluid oozing from the pin sites.
2. Maintain continuous pull on the weights of the traction.
3. Cleanse each pin site every 4 hours with warm water and rinse thoroughly.
4. Assess pin sites for purulent drainage and inflammation.
Answer: 4
The placement of an external device requires pins to be placed in the bone to stabilize the fracture. Infection is a common complication. Serous drainage from the pin sites is expected for the first 48 hours. Most often no traction is involved with the treatment. Pin sites generally are cleansed once a day. Currently no standards are set for pin care, but hydrogen peroxide, normal saline, and antibiotic ointment commonly are used.
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