Radiography is performed on Charlotte's left hip, and a fracture of the femoral head is diagnosed. Charlotte will require hip replacement surgery. Due to Charlotte's history of heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, the surgeon plans to ensure that these conditions are stable before performing the surgery. The surgeon decides to place Charlotte in traction during the preoperative period.

Which type of traction should the nurse expect the surgeon to prescribe for Charlotte in the preoperative period?

A. Buck's traction
B. Cervical traction
C. Dunlop traction
D. Pelvic belt traction

The surgeon is expected to prescribe Buck's traction for Charlotte who is awaiting hip replacement surgery, as this type of traction is suited for preoperative management of hip fractures to alleviate pain and maintain alignment with minimal risk. Hence the correct option is A

For a patient like Charlotte who is diagnosed with a fracture of the femoral head and is awaiting hip replacement, the surgeon would likely prescribe Buck's traction. Buck's traction is a form of skin traction commonly used for preoperative management of hip fractures to relieve muscle spasm and pain, and to prevent further injury by maintaining proper alignment of the joint. This type of traction involves attaching weights to the leg while the patient is in bed, applying force longitudinally to the limb using a pulley system. It is a non-invasive, temporary measure applicable for patients with cardiac and diabetic complications like Charlotte, as it poses less risk than skeletal traction and offers immobilization until she is stable for surgery. Hence the correct option is A