An elderly woman admitted to the orthopedic unit following a fall that resulted in a fractured left hip is placed in Buck's traction. The nurse includes which of the following interventions in the client's preoperative plan of care?

Question

1. Having someone hold the weights when moving the client up in bed
2. Providing pin site care every shift
3. Placing an abduction pillow between the client's legs
4. Turning the client to the unaffected side every 2 hours

Answer 1

Having someone hold the weights when moving the client up in bed

Rationale: Buck's traction is used preoperatively to control muscle spasms, immobilize a fractured hip, and maintain alignment of an extremity. Often, clients will "scoot" down toward the end of the bed, and the weights will rest on the floor. To avoid injury and added pain, one person holds the weights while the others use a lift sheet to reposition the client. Buck's traction is skin traction; no skeletal pins are used. An abduction pillow is used postoperatively. A client cannot be turned with this type of injury.