If the weights attached to a child in traction are touching the floor, what should the nurse do?

When the weights attached to a child in traction are touching the floor, it indicates that the traction mechanism is not functioning correctly, which can impede the healing process. In this case, moving the child toward the head of the bed is essential. This action helps to restore proper alignment and tension in the traction system. Proper alignment is crucial for ensuring that the forces are applied correctly to the child's body, thus maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment and promoting healing.

This approach prioritizes the child's comfort and safety by ensuring that the traction apparatus is placed correctly and effectively managed. It allows the nurse to quickly address the issue while also maintaining the integrity of the traction setup. Addressing the issue in this way often prevents further complications, such as muscle spasms or pain.

While notifying the physician may be appropriate under different circumstances, immediate adjustments can often be made by the nurse to rectify the traction situation. Removing the weights or readjusting the traction without assessing the position of the child may not directly address the problem of the weights touching the floor, potentially leading to further complications. Thus, moving the child toward the head of the bed is the first step to take when the weights are not properly suspended.