Which nursing assessment is essential for a patient in Buck's traction?

Which nursing assessment is essential for a patient in Buck's traction?

• A. Weights must touch the ground
• B. Skin integrity and neurovascular checks every 2-4 hours
• C. The leg must be flexed at the knee 90 degrees
• D. The patient must sit upright

Answer: (B)

Buck's traction uses skin traction, so the most important ongoing assessment is the condition of the skin at the traction site and the distal neurovascular status of the affected leg. Because the force is applied through skin and soft tissues, the risk is skin breakdown and compromised blood flow or nerve function if swelling occurs or the setup shifts. Therefore, inspecting the skin for redness, irritation, blisters, or breakdown and performing neurovascular checks—looking at distal pulses, color, temperature, cap refill, motion, and sensation—every 2–4 hours is essential to catch problems early. Keep in mind that the traction setup should allow the weights to hang freely and not rest on the ground, to maintain effective pulling force. The leg is generally kept in a neutral or slightly extended position rather than flexed at 90 degrees, and the patient should remain in bed with the traction in place, not sit upright. These safety and positioning details support the effectiveness of the traction and minimize complications.

Buck's traction uses skin traction, so the most important ongoing assessment is the condition of the skin at the traction site and the distal neurovascular status of the affected leg. Because the force is applied through skin and soft tissues, the risk is skin breakdown and compromised blood flow or nerve function if swelling occurs or the setup shifts. Therefore, inspecting the skin for redness, irritation, blisters, or breakdown and performing neurovascular checks—looking at distal pulses, color, temperature, cap refill, motion, and sensation—every 2–4 hours is essential to catch problems early.

Keep in mind that the traction setup should allow the weights to hang freely and not rest on the ground, to maintain effective pulling force. The leg is generally kept in a neutral or slightly extended position rather than flexed at 90 degrees, and the patient should remain in bed with the traction in place, not sit upright. These safety and positioning details support the effectiveness of the traction and minimize complications.