Application

This unit of competency describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply and remove traction.
The unit applies to orthopaedic technologists who work in healthcare settings, including operating theatres, emergency departments, wards and out of care client departments.
Work is performed at the request of, and in consultation with, medical staff. Some discretion and judgement are required, and individuals take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.
All activities are carried out in accordance with organisational policies, procedures and infection control guidelines.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
• apply and remove traction including:
• manual
• skin adhesive
• skin non-adhesive.
The applying and removing traction for each of the above on one occasion must include:
• interpreting referrals, sourcing information with the healthcare team and following instructions within the healthcare setting
• reviewing, treating, advising and referring clients:
• paediatrics
• adults
• selecting, using and maintaining equipment:
• eye protection equipment
• felt and calico
• foot plate
• measuring tape and goniometer
• medical adhesive tape
• safety pins
• scissors
• skin traction assembly kits
• traction attachments
• traction bed
• traction ropes and pulleys
• traction weights and water bags
• documenting clinical records.

Knowledge Evidence

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
• procedures relevant to applying and removing traction:
• client confidentiality and privacy
• client consent
• duty of care
• infection control
• inventory
• work health and safety
• role and responsibilities and boundaries of responsibilities relevant to applying and removing traction
• anatomy and physiology relevant to applying and removing traction
• methods for interpreting radiological findings and features of x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans relating to orthopaedic devices and the presenting condition
• conditions for referral of clients for immediate review by a medical practitioner:
• evidence of infection
• intense localised pain
• neurovascular status outside normal limits
• wound breakdown and deterioration
• individual client needs:
• developmental stage including paediatrics and adults
• in clients and out clients
• functional requirements and restrictions
• mobilisation difficulties and restrictions
• level of anxiety
• physical anomalies
• religious and cultural beliefs
• environment and climate
• pathology and assessment of client conditions:
• allergies
• mechanism of injury
• interference
• non-union fracture
• oedematous extremity
• wires, pins, external fixatures and surgical wounds
• medical history and co-morbidities
• skin condition including oedema, blisters, pressure areas, broken skin, fragile skin and wound breakdown
• precaution types, characteristics and resolution:
• diseases which may contribute to loss of bone density and reduction in bone strength
• fluid retention
• areas of broken skin
• complication types, characteristics and resolution:
• broken pins and wires
• contact dermatitis and allergic response
• failure to achieve acceptable length including insufficient weights
• failure to achieve alignment
• loss of apposition due to over distraction including excessive weights
• loss of movement and function due to immobilisation
• neurovascular complications
• pressure areas
• reduced range of movement and function of joint
• secondary infection including pin site etc.
• pneumonia
• constipation
• contra-indication types, characteristics and resolution:
• fragile and anaesthetic skin
• osteoporosis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• infection
• pregnancy
• respiratory and circulatory problems
• claustrophobia
• cardiovascular disease
• joint problems
• traction type and purpose:
• manual
• skin adhesive
• skin non-adhesive
• traction techniques:
• anatomical positioning
• bone manipulation
• balanced suspension
• protective cover for broken skin with aseptic technique
• traction equipment purpose, selection, safe use and maintenance:
• eye protection equipment
• felt and calico
• foot plate
• measuring tape and goniometer
• medical adhesive tape
• safety pins
• scissors
• skin traction assembly kits
• traction attachments
• traction bed
• traction ropes and pulleys
• traction weights and water bags
• medications relevant to traction and future care
• types of client advice:
• limb, body and pin site care
• mobilisation exercises and routines
• traction care
• clinical record requirements
• medical terminology relevant to traction.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in a real workplace with real patients in a clinical environment with the addition of simulations and scenarios with real people where the full range of contexts and situations cannot be provided in the workplace.
Where simulation is used, it must reflect real working conditions in a clinical environment by modelling industry operating conditions and contingencies, as well as using suitable facilities, equipment and resources.
Assessment must ensure use of:
• procedures relevant to applying and removing traction
• clients listed in the Performance Evidence
• orthopaedic devices listed in the Performance Evidence
• equipment listed in the Performance Evidence
• materials listed in the Performance Evidence
• aids listed in the Performance Evidence
• personal protective equipment (PPE)
• manufacturer’s instructions for all equipment and materials.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors; and have current clinical experience working as an Orthopaedic Technologist or Technician providing services to the general public.

Foundation Skills

• {'skill': 'Oral communication skills to:', 'description': 'ask open and closed questions and actively listen to determine and meet needs of client; communicate with people from diverse backgrounds; manage conflict.'}
• {'skill': 'Numeracy skills to:', 'description': 'read, use and discuss spatial and measurement information in referrals, x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans.'}
• {'skill': 'Teamwork skills to:', 'description': 'collaborate and cooperate with multidisciplinary teams and healthcare professionals.'}
• {'skill': 'Technology skills to:', 'description': 'access and record clinical records and referrals.'}

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