Page 22 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

APPLY BUCK'S TRACTION
081-834-0003
Conditions: Given an orthopaedic patient requiring Buck's Leg Traction supine on an power controlled
orthopaedic bed with overhead traction frame , nursing personnel, family member (s), physician,
physician's written or verbal order, patient's medical record or Standard Form 513, work cart/station,
traction cart, spool of traction cord, pulley with attachment, 5 or 9 inch single clamp bar, pillow, weight
carrier, 10lb cast iron weight plate (weights are packaged in 1 2 ,5, and 10 lb increments), roll of 2 inch
paper tape, Buck's traction boot or 36-48 inch long adhesive vent foam strap, spreader block, (3) skin
adherent (benzoin or mastisol) applicators, roll of 2 inch webril or felt, (3) 3 or 4 inch elastic bandages,
scissors, ruler, goniometer, examination gloves, trapeze, and trash receptacle.

Standards: Is reached when adhesive vent foam strap or Buck's traction boot with spreader block
attached is secured to the patient's injured leg. Traction cord is tied to the spreader block, threaded
through the pulley and tied to weight carrier at the foot of the bed. Weight plates identified in the
physician's order are applied to the weight carrier. The heel is suspended and supported off the bed by
a pillow placed under the calf. Capillary refill test is administrated to the toes and successfully passed .

Performance Steps

1. Receive order from the physician( review if in writing).
2. Gather needed equipment to include spreader block, pulley, weight carrier, weight plates, single
clamp bar, adhesive vent foam strap or Buck's traction boot . Place on work cart/station.
3. Assemble materials to include paper tape, elastic bandages, spool of traction cord, pillow, webril,
skin adherent with applicators, examination gloves, scissors and goniometer. Place on work
cart/station.
CAUTION: Do not use traction cords that are frayed, worn or dirty, this is a medical threat to the patient
and may cause further harm.
4. Check serviceability of overhead traction frame and bed.
a. Inspect traction equipment for cracked, dented, and warped bars, or broken handles. Open all
clamp holders.
NOTE: Turn all unserviceable equipment over to supervisor and continue to gather serviceable
equipment.
b. Inspect orthopaedic bed as follows:
(1) Bed rails are in the upright position and locked.
(2) Electrical cord/plug are not frayed.
(3) Remote control buttons are operational( e.g. head/foot elevation, raise/lower position, and
nurse call button).
(4) Bed wheels are locked.
NOTE: Inform nurse if any of (1)-(4) failed and inspect another bed.
5. Identify yourself to the patient.
NOTE: Tell the patient your name and job title.
6. Explain the procedure to the patient.

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