College

a client has been placed in buck's extension traction. the nurse can provide for countertraction to reduce shear and friction by performing which action?

Answer :

Providing countertraction in Buck's extension traction involves elevating the foot of the bed, maintaining proper alignment, avoiding pillow placement under the leg, and regularly checking the traction setup to ensure weights are free-hanging.

To provide effective care, the nurse can ensure countertraction to reduce shear and friction by performing the following actions:

  • Elevate the foot of the bed: This helps utilize the weight of the patient’s body as a countertraction force.
  • Maintain proper alignment: Ensure the patient’s body is in a straight line with the direction of the traction pull.
  • Avoid placing pillows under the leg: Placing pillows under the leg can interfere with the traction's effectiveness by altering the alignment.
  • Regularly check traction setup: Ensure that the weights are free-hanging and not touching the bed or floor, which can disrupt the force of the pull.

The nurse can provide for countertraction to reduce shear and friction in a client in Buck's extension traction by placing a sandbag or footplate at the end of the bed.

This will create an opposing force to the pull of the traction and help prevent the client from sliding down the bed, which can cause skin breakdown and discomfort. Buck's extension traction is a type of traction used to immobilize the lower extremities and reduce muscle spasms in conditions such as hip or femur fractures. It involves attaching a weight to the client's lower leg via a rope and pulley system and suspending the leg off the bed.

The nurse should ensure that the weights are hanging freely, the ropes are not twisted or tangled, and the client is comfortable and in proper alignment. The nurse should also assess the client's neurovascular status and monitor for any signs of complications such as skin breakdown or infection.

In summary, a nurse can provide countertraction to reduce shear and friction for a client in Buck's extension traction by ensuring proper body alignment, using pillows and pressure-relieving devices, performing regular skin assessments, and educating the client about their role in maintaining traction effectiveness.

To know more about traction, refer here:

https://brainly.com/question/29708529#

#SPJ11