A client with a cervical spine injury has Gardner-Wells tongs inserted for which of the following reasons?
A. To hasten wound healing.
B. To immobilize the cervical spine.
C. To prevent autonomic dysreflexia.
D. To hold bony fragments of the skull together.
Correct Answer: B. To immobilize the cervical spine.
Gardner-Wells, Vinke, and Crutchfield tongs immobilize the spine until surgical stabilization is accomplished. There are several uses for GWT, including the treatment of cervical spine fractures, patient positioning inside the operating room, and skeletal traction during spinal deformity surgery. Aside from GWT, different apparatuses have been utilized for skeletal traction, including Crutchfield’s caliper, Cone’s caliper, Blackburn’s caliper, and halo traction.
Option A: GWT have become popular in the United States due to their ease of use, and effectiveness in reducing cervical dislocations in a traumatic setting. Several advantages over previous traction devices include the lack of skin incisions, antiseptic instead of aseptic technique, and the lack of drill holes.
Option C: Proper bladder and bowel care (ie, preventing fecal impaction, bladder distention) are mainstays in preventing episodes of autonomic dysreflexia. Regulation of the bladder routine via indwelling Foley catheter or intermittent catheterization and regular urologic follow-up is highly recommended for autonomic dysreflexia prevention.
Option D: GWT has many advantages that have led to their increased popularity and usage. These include the relative ease of use, sterile technique, lack of incisions, reduced screw pullout, and elimination of burr holes.
No comments:
Post a Comment