Answer :
Final answer:
The nurse must consider post-surgical stabilization of the fractured femur with metal hardware, monitoring for complications, pain management, wound care, and mobility assistance in the care plan for a patient in Buck's traction. Extended bed rest poses risks that must be managed meticulously.
Explanation:
A nurse developing a care plan for a patient in Buck's traction with a fractured femur must consider various aspects for post-surgical care. The condition of a fractured femur often necessitates a surgical procedure known as an open reduction, where the broken bone is exposed and reset. In the case of the mid-femur fracture, specialized equipment like metal rods, screws, or plates are used to keep the bone stabilized. The patient's extended immobility, due to prolonged bed rest following surgery, could lead to severe complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, and pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores.
Since the hip is known to be susceptible to osteoarthritis, attention should also be paid to the potential need for joint replacement if osteoporosis is a contributing factor. The care plan must include monitoring for signs of complications, managing pain, ensuring proper wound care, and making arrangements for mobility assistance during the recovery period. Education on the risks of immobility and strategies to minimize them will also be an integral part of the care plan.
