Countertraction must be applied for effective traction.
Traction must be continuous to be effective.
Skeletal traction is never interrupted.
Weights are not removed unless intermittent traction is prescribed.
Patient must maintain good body alignment in the center of the bed.
Ropes must be unobstructed.
Weights must hang free.
Source: Adapted from Hinkle, J. L., Cheever, K. H., & Overbaugh, K. J. (2022). Brunner & Suddarth's textbook of medical-surgical nursing (15th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.