A client has Buck's extension traction applied to the right leg. The nurse should plan which intervention to prevent complications of the device?

A client has Buck's extension traction applied to the right leg. The nurse should plan which intervention to prevent complications of the device?

• A. Elevate the leg above heart level.
• B. Inspect the skin on the right leg at least once every 8 hours.
• C. Notify physician if pain increases.
• D. Apply ointment to skin.

Answer: (B)

With Buck's extension traction, the skin is directly drawing against the traction apparatus, making skin breakdown a primary and preventable complication. Regularly inspecting the skin on the leg—at least every eight hours—lets you catch early signs of pressure, redness, blistering, or breakdown and intervene promptly (repositioning, padding adjustments, or medical assessment) to keep the skin intact and prevent ulcers. Elevating the leg above heart level would disrupt the intended traction and can reduce its effectiveness, so it isn’t the preventive focus. Notifying the physician if pain increases is important for detecting problems, but it’s a reactive step rather than a routine preventive measure for skin complications. Applying ointment to the skin isn’t appropriate because it can interfere with skin traction, adhesives, and moisture balance, increasing the risk of maceration or slippage.

With Buck's extension traction, the skin is directly drawing against the traction apparatus, making skin breakdown a primary and preventable complication. Regularly inspecting the skin on the leg—at least every eight hours—lets you catch early signs of pressure, redness, blistering, or breakdown and intervene promptly (repositioning, padding adjustments, or medical assessment) to keep the skin intact and prevent ulcers.

Elevating the leg above heart level would disrupt the intended traction and can reduce its effectiveness, so it isn’t the preventive focus. Notifying the physician if pain increases is important for detecting problems, but it’s a reactive step rather than a routine preventive measure for skin complications. Applying ointment to the skin isn’t appropriate because it can interfere with skin traction, adhesives, and moisture balance, increasing the risk of maceration or slippage.