An elderly client admitted to the orthopedic unit after fracturing a hip is placed in Buck's traction. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention for this client?

Question

1. Provide pin site care every shift as ordered by the physician
2. Place an abduction pillow between the legs for alignment
3. Have another person hold the weights when repositioning in bed
4. Turn to the unaffected side every two hours

Answer 1

3. Have another person hold the weights when repositioning 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, causing the weights to 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, and a client cannot be turned with this type of therapy.