A client is being treated with Buck's traction. What are important nursing interventions for this client?
1. Remove the traction boot every 6 hours to provide skin care.
2. Check and clean the pin sites at least three times daily.
3. Check the area around the hip where the traction is applied.
4. Verify that weights are in the amounts ordered and are hanging freely.
Answer: 4
Always check the weight amounts and make sure they are not lodged against the bed or another area. There are no pin sites because Buck's traction is skin traction, not skeletal traction. The traction boot does not need to be removed as often as every 6 hours to provide skin care. (Lewis 8 ed, p. 1593).