Skull/Halo Traction

Question 1

Skull tongs do what

Answer 1

Immobilizes/stabilizes c-spine
2 insertion sites
attached to bed-immobile

Question 2

3 contraindications for skull tongs

Answer 2

Local sepsis - scalp/head infection
Children - nature of device/confined to bed/immobilized
Skull fracture - skull instability can be worsened

Question 3

Halo traction

Answer 3

Immobilize c spine to allow for healing

Question 4

Halo how many pins

Answer 4

6 - drilled into the skull - holds halo around head

Question 5

Should we take vest off with halo

Answer 5

No

Question 6

Pin care with halo device - how often

Answer 6

Pin cleaning every 24-hours

Question 7

which portion of the halo keeps the head/neck immobilized

Answer 7

halo and rods

Question 8

is an mri contraindicated with halo devices

Answer 8

yes

Question 9

when would be the only time we would remove the vest in a halo device

Answer 9

for CPR

Question 10

how would you remove vest

Answer 10

with a wrench - keep at bedside

Question 11

the only component of the halo device that can be removed

Answer 11

the lining under the vest (front and back)

Question 12

care of halo device

Answer 12

check skin integrity - breakdown

check pin sites (no s/s of infection or mobility)

Question 13

pain after the first 48 hours in indicative of what

Answer 13

infection at the pin site

Question 14

primary responsibility of nurse w/halo

Answer 14

pin care

Question 15

pin care of the halo device consists of

Answer 15

equal part saline/hydrogen peroxide mixture (good for only 24 hours)
6 q-tips (inward to outward)
blue pad on shoulders to ensure dryness

Question 16

s/s of infection with halo device

Answer 16

redness
purulent drainage
pain tenderness/site
fever 101 or>
chills
Call Dr with these signs of infection

Question 17

prophylactic antibiotics are ordered to prevent infection with halos t or f

Answer 17

false -

Question 18

can a pt wash their hair with a halo device

Answer 18

yes w/assistance

Question 19

can a pt drive w/halo device

Answer 19

no cant turn side to side

Question 20

should a pt increase fiber into their diet with halo device

Answer 20

yes - less mobile

Question 21

when to call Dr with halo device

Answer 21

excessive pain at pin sites

moves head up,down,side-side

Question 22

how long will pt wear halo device

Answer 22

8-16 weeks

Question 23

getting up w/halo device

Answer 23

roll onto side at edge of bed
drop legs off side of bed
push elbow/hand at same time
do NOT sit up straight by bending at waist