Distractions for patients in cervical traction

[talltraveler]

We have a patient that is in cervical traction which is not a common thing for us. Does anyone have any suggestions for entertaining a young child that can only look at the ceiling for the next 5 days? Any suggestions would be appreciative.

[PICURN74, ASN, RN]

TallTraveler- Unfortunately we see many kids like this (motorbikes should be illegal but I digress) Is the patient in traction or in a C-collar? Depending on the reasons for the immobilization, our doctors sometimes will allow us to put the bed in reverse trandelenburg (Pt is still flat and immobile just changes the vantage point) but that is on our crazy expensive ICU beds that have lots of bells and whistles. Depending on how old the pt is we will often put the younger ones in a bubble top crib with a clear plastic top and place things on top of the plastic (DVD players from Childlife or mirrors/toys) but the cribs are designed in such a way that there is no possibility of the object falling on the kid. Sometimes we have light show machines (think planetarium/disco ball) that provide something to look at. Also books on tape/cd can provide some relief and are available at most public libraries (kids seem to be mad if they listen to DVDs while everyone else gets to watch them) Hope something helps