How do you position a client with left hip fracture in Buck’s traction?
a) head of bed raised at 45 degree angle
b) left calf on pillow from knee to ankle
c) position the left on affected side with pillows between legs
d) position the left in the center of the bed with the leg extended
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
d) Position the left in the center of the bed with the leg extended.
Explanation:
Buck’s traction is a form of skin traction used for clients with a hip fracture, particularly a femoral neck or intertrochanteric fracture, to alleviate pain and reduce muscle spasms while the bone heals. The traction is applied through a foam boot or other padding, secured to the affected leg, with a weight attached to ensure the leg is pulled in a straight line. Proper positioning is essential for the effectiveness of the traction and to avoid complications.
When positioning a client in Buck’s traction:
- Leg Alignment: The affected leg should be placed in the center of the bed, with the leg fully extended and in neutral alignment. This position ensures that the leg is not rotated or flexed in any way, which could exacerbate pain or cause further injury to the fractured site. The leg should remain in a straight line from the hip to the ankle, as traction is applied to gently stretch and realign the fractured bone.
- Importance of Proper Positioning: Proper alignment is crucial because any deviation from this can interfere with the therapeutic pull of the traction. If the leg is flexed or rotated, it can put additional pressure on the fracture site and reduce the effectiveness of the traction. Furthermore, improper positioning can lead to complications such as skin breakdown, nerve compression, or muscle atrophy.
- Other Considerations: The head of the bed may be slightly elevated to improve comfort and prevent aspiration if the client is at risk, but it should not be raised too high, as this can disrupt the alignment of the leg. Pillow placement should support the unaffected leg and help maintain neutral spine alignment but should not interfere with the traction device or the affected leg.
In summary, positioning the left leg in the center of the bed with the leg extended is critical to ensure that Buck’s traction is applied properly and to prevent further injury while the client recovers.