An older adult client on an orthopedic unit has an intracapsular fracture of the right hip following a fall. The client is in Buck's traction and will have hip prosthesis surgery in the morning. The nurse should reinforce with the client that this type of traction promotes which of the following outcomes?
Reduction of the fracture
Support for moving the extremity
Alignment of the pins
Relief from muscle spasms
The Correct Answer is D
The nurse should reinforce to the client that Buck's traction promotes relief from muscle spasms. Buck's traction is a type of skin traction that is widely used for fractures of the femur and hip². It uses splints, bandages, and adhesive tapes to position a limb near the fracture and then applies pressure using weights and pulleys. One of the goals of Buck's traction is to lessen or eliminate muscular spasms.
a. Reduction of the fracture is not the primary purpose of Buck's traction.
b. Support for moving the extremity is not a primary outcome of Buck's traction.
c. Alignment of the pins is not applicable to Buck's traction as it does not involve inserting pins into the
bone.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should immediately report small drops of clear fluid in the left ear to the charge nurse. This finding could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which can occur as a result of a head injury. A CSF leak can be a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention.
An edematous bruise on the forehead, client disorientation to place, and a heart rate of 110/min and regular are also important findings that the nurse should report to the charge nurse. However, these findings are not as urgent as the presence of small drops of clear fluid in the left ear.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
If a client returns to the surgical unit from the PACU in skeletal traction and the weights rest against the foot of the bed, the nurse should take action to correct this problem with the traction setup. The weights should be hanging freely and not touching any part of the bed or floor. This ensures that the traction is providing the appropriate amount of force to the affected limb.
The other options listed are not problems with the traction setup. The ropes should be in the center of the wheel grooves, the weights should be equal on each side, and the ropes should attach securely to the pin.
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