The nurse is caring for a child with a fracture who is placed in skeletal traction. The nurse ...

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Rationale: The most serious complication associated with skeletal traction is osteomyelitis, an infection involving the bone. Organisms gain access to the bone systemically or through the opening created by the metal pins or wires used with the traction. Osteomyelitis may occur with any open fracture. Clinical manifestations include complaints of localized pain, swelling, warmth, tenderness, an unusual odor from the fracture site, and an elevated temperature. A lack of appetite, a decrease in the urinary output, and an increase in the blood pressure are not specifically associated with osteomyelitis.