The nurse is caring for a child with a fractured left femur who has been in skeletal traction for several days. Upon assessment, she notes that the left foot is pale, with a nonpalpable pedal pulse. What is the priority nursing intervention?
1. Release the traction, as there may be too much weight on it
2. Nothing; alterations in circulation are expected with skeletal traction
3. Immediately notify the physician or NP of this abnormal finding
4. Massage the foot immediately to increase circulation
Answer: Immediately notify the physician or NP of this abnormal finding