Hip Fracture, *Bucks Traction* Questions and Answers
2023 Verified
The nurse is teaching a client how to stand on crutches. The nurse tells the client
to place the crutches:
a) 3 inches to the front and side of the toes
b) 8 inches to the front and side of the toes
c) 15 inches to the front and side of the toes
d) 20 inches to the front and side of the toes
B) 8 inches to the front and side of the toes
- The classic tripod position is taught to the client before instructions regarding gait are
given. The crutches are placed anywhere from 6 to 10 inches in front of and to the side
of the client's toes, depending on the client's body size. This provides a wide enough
base of support for the client and improves balance.
. An older client admitted to the hospital with a hip fracture is placed in Buck's
extension traction. The nurse plans to frequently monitor which specimen item?
a) temperature
b) mental state
c) neurovascular status
d) range of motion ability
c) neurovascular status
- The neurovascular status of the extremity of the client in Buck's extension traction
must be assessed frequently. Older clients are especially at risk for neurovascular
compromise because many older clients already have disorders that affect the
peripheral vascular system. Although the client's temperature is monitored, it is not
specific to the use of Buck's extension traction. Although clients in some types of
traction do become depressed after a few days or weeks, Buck's extension traction is
usually used preoperatively, which typically involves a few hours or 1 to 2 days, at the
most. Range of motion of the involved leg is contraindicated in hip fractures.
. Buck's extension traction is applied to an older client following a hip fracture.
The nurse explains to the client that this type of traction is:
a) traction involving the use of a cast
b) skeletal traction involving the use of surgically inserted pins
c) circumferential traction involving the use of a belt around the body
d) skin traction involving the use of traction attached to the skin and soft tissues
d) skin traction involving the use of traction attached to the skin and soft tissues
- Buck's extension traction is a form of skin traction and involves the use of a belt or
boot that is attached to the skin and soft tissues. The purpose of this type of traction is
to decrease painful muscle spasms that accompany fractures. The weight that is used
, as a pulling force is limited (usually 5 to 10 pounds) to prevent injury to the skin. Options
A, B, and C are incorrect descriptions.
. A client has Buck's extension traction applied to the right leg. The nurse plans
which of the following interventions to prevent complications from the device?
a) provide pin care once a shift
b) massage the skin of the right leg with lotion every 8 hours
c) inspect the skin on the right leg at least once every 8 hours
d) release the weights on the right leg for range of motion exercises daily
c) inspect the skin on the right leg at least once every 8 hours
Buck's extension traction is a type of skin traction. The nurse inspects the skin of the
limb in traction at least once every 8 hours for irritation or inflammation. Massaging the
skin with lotion is not indicated. The nurse never releases the weights of traction unless
specifically ordered by the physician. There are no pins to care for with skin traction.
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
b) left calf on pillow from knee to ankle
- elevate the leg with pillow to relieve pressure from the heel of the foot and to improve
the effectiveness of the countertraction.
A patient had hip surgery. On the second post-op day, the patient is agitated, is
tremulous and confused. What should the nurse primarily assess?
a) the surgical wound
b) alcohol use before surgery
c) peripheral circulation
d) breathing pattern
b) alcohol use before surgery
- the client's sign and symptoms indicate alcohol withdrawal.
A nurse is caring for a patient who has had hip replacement. The nurse should be
most concerned about which of the following findings?
A. Complaints of pain during repositioning.
B. Scant bloody discharge on the surgical dressing.
C. Complaints of pain following physical therapy.
D. Temperature of 101.8 F (38.7 C).
D. Temperature of 101.8 F (38.7 C).
Post-surgical nursing assessment after hip replacement should be principally concerned
with the risk of neurovascular complications and the development of infection. A
temperature of 101.8 F (38.7 C) postoperatively is higher than the low grade that is to
2023 Verified
The nurse is teaching a client how to stand on crutches. The nurse tells the client
to place the crutches:
a) 3 inches to the front and side of the toes
b) 8 inches to the front and side of the toes
c) 15 inches to the front and side of the toes
d) 20 inches to the front and side of the toes
B) 8 inches to the front and side of the toes
- The classic tripod position is taught to the client before instructions regarding gait are
given. The crutches are placed anywhere from 6 to 10 inches in front of and to the side
of the client's toes, depending on the client's body size. This provides a wide enough
base of support for the client and improves balance.
. An older client admitted to the hospital with a hip fracture is placed in Buck's
extension traction. The nurse plans to frequently monitor which specimen item?
a) temperature
b) mental state
c) neurovascular status
d) range of motion ability
c) neurovascular status
- The neurovascular status of the extremity of the client in Buck's extension traction
must be assessed frequently. Older clients are especially at risk for neurovascular
compromise because many older clients already have disorders that affect the
peripheral vascular system. Although the client's temperature is monitored, it is not
specific to the use of Buck's extension traction. Although clients in some types of
traction do become depressed after a few days or weeks, Buck's extension traction is
usually used preoperatively, which typically involves a few hours or 1 to 2 days, at the
most. Range of motion of the involved leg is contraindicated in hip fractures.
. Buck's extension traction is applied to an older client following a hip fracture.
The nurse explains to the client that this type of traction is:
a) traction involving the use of a cast
b) skeletal traction involving the use of surgically inserted pins
c) circumferential traction involving the use of a belt around the body
d) skin traction involving the use of traction attached to the skin and soft tissues
d) skin traction involving the use of traction attached to the skin and soft tissues
- Buck's extension traction is a form of skin traction and involves the use of a belt or
boot that is attached to the skin and soft tissues. The purpose of this type of traction is
to decrease painful muscle spasms that accompany fractures. The weight that is used
, as a pulling force is limited (usually 5 to 10 pounds) to prevent injury to the skin. Options
A, B, and C are incorrect descriptions.
. A client has Buck's extension traction applied to the right leg. The nurse plans
which of the following interventions to prevent complications from the device?
a) provide pin care once a shift
b) massage the skin of the right leg with lotion every 8 hours
c) inspect the skin on the right leg at least once every 8 hours
d) release the weights on the right leg for range of motion exercises daily
c) inspect the skin on the right leg at least once every 8 hours
Buck's extension traction is a type of skin traction. The nurse inspects the skin of the
limb in traction at least once every 8 hours for irritation or inflammation. Massaging the
skin with lotion is not indicated. The nurse never releases the weights of traction unless
specifically ordered by the physician. There are no pins to care for with skin traction.
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
b) left calf on pillow from knee to ankle
- elevate the leg with pillow to relieve pressure from the heel of the foot and to improve
the effectiveness of the countertraction.
A patient had hip surgery. On the second post-op day, the patient is agitated, is
tremulous and confused. What should the nurse primarily assess?
a) the surgical wound
b) alcohol use before surgery
c) peripheral circulation
d) breathing pattern
b) alcohol use before surgery
- the client's sign and symptoms indicate alcohol withdrawal.
A nurse is caring for a patient who has had hip replacement. The nurse should be
most concerned about which of the following findings?
A. Complaints of pain during repositioning.
B. Scant bloody discharge on the surgical dressing.
C. Complaints of pain following physical therapy.
D. Temperature of 101.8 F (38.7 C).
D. Temperature of 101.8 F (38.7 C).
Post-surgical nursing assessment after hip replacement should be principally concerned
with the risk of neurovascular complications and the development of infection. A
temperature of 101.8 F (38.7 C) postoperatively is higher than the low grade that is to
