In Buck's extension traction, which action is essential to prevent complications?

In Buck's extension traction, which action is essential to prevent complications?

• A. Elevate the leg on a pillow
• B. Massage the skin
• C. Inspect the skin on the right leg at least once every 8 hours
• D. Increase the traction weight daily

Answer: (C)

Skin safety under traction is the main idea here. In Buck's extension traction, the pull is applied to the skin, not the bone, so the skin and underlying tissue are at risk for pressure ulcers, blisters, and infection from continuous friction, moisture, and pulling forces. Checking the skin of the leg under traction at least every 8 hours allows you to catch early signs of irritation or breakdown—redness, warmth, swelling, or blistering—so you can take timely steps like padding, adjusting positioning, or addressing any issues per protocol to prevent a more serious complication. Other actions, such as elevating the leg on a pillow, massaging the skin, or increasing the traction weight daily, do not protect against these skin complications and can even worsen them or disrupt the traction.

Skin safety under traction is the main idea here. In Buck's extension traction, the pull is applied to the skin, not the bone, so the skin and underlying tissue are at risk for pressure ulcers, blisters, and infection from continuous friction, moisture, and pulling forces. Checking the skin of the leg under traction at least every 8 hours allows you to catch early signs of irritation or breakdown—redness, warmth, swelling, or blistering—so you can take timely steps like padding, adjusting positioning, or addressing any issues per protocol to prevent a more serious complication. Other actions, such as elevating the leg on a pillow, massaging the skin, or increasing the traction weight daily, do not protect against these skin complications and can even worsen them or disrupt the traction.