Buck's traction - Foley insertion....

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

I have a question for a project that asks how you would "insert a Foley in an elderly female pt who is in Buck's traction prior to surgery" (for a hip fracture).

I have looked through my texts and don't see anything definitive as I have found for the other questions!!!

Our Fundamentals book mentions side-lying for someone unable to accommodate a supine insertion, but I'm not sure that's correct, either!!

Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?!?!? This is my one hold up!!

Thanks!!

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I think bucks traction is a comfort measure devise. I would take off the bucks and premedicate for pain, having an assistant hold the unaffected leg out as far as possible.

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

Thanks....someone in our group suggested the pre-medication and then going for it in the traditional manner, too!!

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

the foley can still be inserted by having the patient bend her unaffected leg up and rotate it outward enough. you'll need another person to help. you really shouldn't remove her from the traction because it is helping to neutralize the muscle spasms in the hip which are quite painful. she's not going to let anyone move that leg with a broken hip no matter how much pain medication she's had--it hurts too bad! not only that, but the jagged ends of the broken bones will lacerate internal tissues and any blood vessels and nerves in their immediate area if the leg is moved. fractures should be kept as immobile as possible.

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.
the foley can still be inserted by having the patient bend her unaffected leg up ...

bless you daytonite!! i was hoping you'd be around before i had to finish this up!!

thanks!!

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