For a patient in traction who has skeletal pins, the nurse should:

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Using a sterile applicator, apply a small amount of topical antibiotic ointment to the pin site and cover with a sterile 2 ´ 2 split gauze dressing.(Note: Some physicians leave the site uncovered.) Dip a sterile cotton-tipped applicator into a sterile container of chlorhexidine 2 mg/mL solution.Place a sterile applicator by the pin, and roll it along the skin, away from the insertion site.Clean outward in a circular fashion from the pin.Dispose of the applicator.Remove crusts from the pin site when signs of infection are present.Chlorhexidine 2 mg/mL is the most effective cleansing solution for pin-site care.Never touch one pin site with material used on another.This prevents cross-contamination.

For a Patient in Traction Who Has Skeletal Pins, the Nurse