High School

Four-year-old David is placed in buck's traction for Legg-Calve Perthes disease. He is crying with pain as the nurse assess that the skin of his right foot is pale with an absence of pulse. Which action should the nurse take first?
1) Administer pain medication
2) Notify the healthcare provider immediately
3) Reposition the traction
4) Apply warm compress to the foot

Answer :

Final answer:

The nurse should first notify the healthcare provider immediately due to the potential risk of compartment syndrome or another serious circulatory issue.Hence option B is correct.

Explanation:

The fact that four-year-old David's skin on his right foot is pale and pulseless indicates a potentially serious complication of the traction called compartment syndrome, where pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels, or there could be another issue causing impaired circulation.

This is a medical emergency that can lead to tissue damage if not addressed quickly. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately should be the nurse's first action, as it is essential to assess the blood supply to the affected limb and determine the appropriate intervention to restore circulation.