Saunders Musculoskeletal Practice Test

To provide countertraction for a client in Buck's extension traction, slightly elevating the foot of the bed is the correct action because it helps to create a counterbalance to the pull of the traction. Buck's extension traction utilizes weights to pull the leg and align the bone, and countertraction is necessary to ensure that the traction is effective and to prevent undue pressure on the skin and underlying structures.

By elevating the foot of the bed, the nurse allows for an angle that assists in distributing the force exerted by the traction more evenly through the client's body. This positioning can help reduce strain and discomfort while maintaining the effectiveness of the traction setup. It also helps to keep the entire limb aligned and facilitated healing.

Other potential actions, such as lowering the head of the bed, applying weight directly to the leg, or removing the traction device for comfort, would not correctly provide the countertraction needed and could compromise the treatment goals set by the physician. Those actions might also lead to complications or misalignment of the limb being treated.