Question Of The Day: Musculoskeletal Disorders

Q. The nurse is evaluating the pin insertion site of a client's skeletal traction. Which of the following indicate a complication?

A. Presence of crusts around the pin insertion site.
B. Serous drainage on the dressing.
C. Pin moves slightly at insertion site.
D. Client does not feel pain at insertion site.



Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Skeletal pins should not be loose and able to move. Any pin loosening should be reported immediately. Slight serous drainage is normal and may crust around the insertion site or be present on the dressing. The pin insertion site should be cleaned with aseptic technique according to facility policy. Pin insertion sites are typically not painful; pain may be indicative of an infection and should be reported.