When caring for a client in Buck traction, which action should the nurse take?

In the context of caring for a client in Buck traction, elevating the foot of the bed is an essential action as it aids in providing countertraction. Buck traction is a type of skin traction used primarily for hip and femoral fractures. The primary purpose of the traction is to stabilize the fracture and alleviate pain. By elevating the foot of the bed, the nurse can enhance the effectiveness of the traction by ensuring that the pulling force is properly aligned and more effective. This position helps to maintain the proper balance of forces applied to the affected limb, facilitating healing and reducing discomfort for the client.

Each of the other options has its own significance in patient care, but they do not directly address the primary goal of Buck traction as effectively as elevating the foot of the bed does. Monitoring the weight applied is important, as it should be within the range of 15 to 30 lb (6.8 to 13.6 kg) to avoid injury, but merely maintaining the weight does not optimize the traction setup. Using a foam wedge every two hours for turning is not typically indicated due to the nature of traction, as it could disrupt the alignment required for effective healing. Supporting the client's heels with a pillow can help prevent pressure sores, but ensuring