Question

A child with a fractured femur is placed in Buck's skin traction, and the nurse is planning care for the client. Which information about this type of traction is correct?

a) It is a type of internal fixation.
b) The traction is applied directly to the fractured bone.
c) Buck's traction is typically used for lower limb fractures.
d) The weights should hang freely off the bed.

Answer 1

Buck's skin traction is a type of external fixation used for lower limb fractures. It is applied to the skin, not directly to the fractured bone, and the weights should hang freely off the bed.

Step-by-step explanation:

Buck's skin traction is a type of external fixation used to immobilize and align fractured bones. The traction is applied to the skin through straps or braces, not directly to the fractured bone. Buck's traction is commonly used for lower limb fractures, such as fractures of the femur. The weights in Buck's traction should hang freely off the bed to provide a constant and controlled pulling force on the fractured bone.