High School

A nurse is caring for a client with a hip fracture who has Buck's extension traction in place. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse give the client about this type of traction? (Select all that apply.)

A. "You'll have considerably less pain with the traction in place."
B. "You'll have the traction in place for a week or so."
C. "The traction will help decrease muscle spasms."
D. "The weights act as a pulling force to keep your leg and hip still."
E. "We have to make sure the weights are just barely touching the floor."

Answer :

Buck's extension traction is a type of skin traction that is often used for patients with hip fractures. It helps stabilize the fracture and reduce pain by maintaining proper alignment of the limb.

Here is some information a nurse might provide to a client about Buck's extension traction:

A. "You'll have considerably less pain with the traction in place."

Traction helps to immobilize the fracture site, which can significantly reduce movement and, consequently, pain.

C. "The traction will help decrease muscle spasms."

By keeping the limb in proper alignment and applying a constant gentle pull, traction helps to reduce muscle spasms that often accompany fractures.

D. "The weights act as a pulling force to keep your leg and hip still."

The weights at the end of the traction provide a pulling force that helps keep the bones aligned and the leg and hip immobilized to promote healing.

It is important for the client to understand that while Buck's traction is meant to reduce pain and muscle spasms, its effectiveness can vary depending on individual circumstances and the severity of the fracture. A healthcare provider will determine the exact duration of traction use based on the client's specific needs.

For the incorrect options:

B. The duration of the traction is not typically "a week or so." The length of time in traction can vary significantly and should be determined by a healthcare professional.

E. The weights should not touch the floor at all. They should hang freely to ensure the correct amount of pulling force is applied.

Ultimately, it's crucial for the client to communicate any discomfort or concerns to the healthcare team to ensure proper management and care.