A client sustains a fracture of the femur after jumping from the second story of a building during a fire. The client is placed in Buck's traction until an open reduction and internal fixation is performed. The client keeps slipping down in bed. Which action should the nurse take to alleviate this problem?

A. Elevate the foot of the bed.
B. Shorten the rope on the weights.
C. Release the traction so the client can be repositioned.
D. Move the client toward the head of the bed every couple of hours.

To address the issue of the client slipping down in bed while in Buck traction, the nurse should regularly move the client toward the head of the bed. This helps maintain proper alignment and effectiveness of the traction. Avoid adjustments that may compromise the treatment, such as adjusting the weights or releasing the traction.

Explanation:

Addressing Issues with Buck Traction

A client undergoing Buck traction for a femur fracture may experience discomfort or slipping down in bed. To alleviate this problem, the nurse should take careful action to maintain effective traction while ensuring the patient's comfort.

Recommended Action

The most appropriate action in this situation is to move the client toward the head of the bed every couple of hours. This will help maintain proper alignment and reduce the likelihood of the client slipping. Regular repositioning is crucial in traction setups to maintain effectiveness and prevent complications.

What to Avoid

Elevating the foot of the bed could increase the risk of slipping further down.
Shortening the rope on the weights could alter the traction force, risking ineffective treatment.
Releasing the traction to reposition would defeat the purpose of providing support to the fracture.

By consistently moving the client back toward the head of the bed, the nurse helps to uphold proper tension on the traction system while promoting healing and comfort for the patient.

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