To maintain Bryant’s traction, the nurse must make certain that the child’s:
A. Hips are resting on the bed, with the legs suspended at a right angle to the bed
B. Hips are slightly elevated above the bed and the legs are suspended at a right angle to the bed
C. Hips are elevated above the level of the body on a pillow and the legs are suspended parallel to the bed
D. Hips and legs are flat on the bed, with the traction positioned at the foot of the bed
Correct Answer: B. Hips are slightly elevated above the bed and the legs are suspended at a right angle to the bed
Bryant’s traction is used for fractured femurs and dislocated hips. The hips should be elevated 15° off the bed. Bryant’s traction is used for developmental dislocated hip(s) (DDH). In Bryant’s traction, the child’s body and the weights are used as tension to keep the end of the femur (the large bone that goes from the knee to the hip) in the hip socket. Traction will help position the top of the femur into the hip socket correctly
Option A: The hips should not be resting on the bed. Let the weights hang freely. They should not touch the bed. Keep all blankets and sheets away from the traction ropes. In order to have effective traction, make sure to position the patient properly with a correct body alignment in the center of the bed to have a good maintenance of the pull. Ropes and weights should be observed and checked regularly to make sure it is moving freely on the pulley.
Option C: The hips should not be above the level of the body. The rope knots should be maintained in a right position in order to prevent it from touching the pulley. And the comfort of the patient should be maintained, and making sure he/she is comfortable in his/her position to avoid any further complications.
Option D: The hips and legs should not be flat on the bed. With Bryant’s traction, the legs are wrapped with strips of adhesive tape (moleskin) attached to a gauze adhesive elastic bandage (Elastoplast), then more moleskin and Elastoplast, then connected to ropes and weights. The bandage and weights do not hurt the child.