While in Buck's extension traction, the client may be positioned:

While in Buck's extension traction, the client may be positioned:

• A. On the back, with the knees flexed 45 degrees
• B. On the back, with the buttocks slightly elevated off the bed
• C. On the back, turning to the unaffected side for 10- to 15-minute periods
• D. On the back, with the bed tilted toward the side that is opposite the traction

Answer: (C)

In Buck's extension traction, the leg is kept in a straight, extended position with weight applied to pull gently along the limb to align a fracture and relieve muscle spasm. Because the traction depends on a stable, straight line along the leg, certain positions would disrupt that setup. The best approach is to lie on the back and periodically turn to the unaffected side for about 10 to 15 minutes. This short, alternating position helps prevent skin breakdown and pressure on the injured area, promotes circulation, and allows for skin checks, all without altering the traction force or the alignment of the limb. Why the other options aren’t ideal: bending the knee would change the traction vector and reduce effectiveness; elevating the buttocks off the bed could cause the traction to loosen or shift and increase risk of skin problems elsewhere; tilting the bed toward the opposite side changes the traction angle and can destabilize the application.

In Buck's extension traction, the leg is kept in a straight, extended position with weight applied to pull gently along the limb to align a fracture and relieve muscle spasm. Because the traction depends on a stable, straight line along the leg, certain positions would disrupt that setup.

The best approach is to lie on the back and periodically turn to the unaffected side for about 10 to 15 minutes. This short, alternating position helps prevent skin breakdown and pressure on the injured area, promotes circulation, and allows for skin checks, all without altering the traction force or the alignment of the limb.

Why the other options aren’t ideal: bending the knee would change the traction vector and reduce effectiveness; elevating the buttocks off the bed could cause the traction to loosen or shift and increase risk of skin problems elsewhere; tilting the bed toward the opposite side changes the traction angle and can destabilize the application.