When caring for a client in Buck's Traction, which action should a nurse take?

When caring for a client in Buck's Traction, the nurse should ensure that the weights hang freely. This is crucial because the purpose of Buck's Traction is to align and immobilize the affected limb while providing a steady pull to reduce muscle spasms and promote healing. If the weights are not allowed to hang freely, it could result in decreased effectiveness of the traction, potentially leading to improper alignment, increased pain, or disruption of the healing process.

Allowing the weights to hang freely maintains consistent and appropriate tension on the traction system, which is essential for stabilizing the area and supporting the client's recovery. Proper application of traction not only aids in pain relief but also allows for effective healing of the injury. Therefore, ensuring that the weights are in the correct position is a fundamental aspect of managing a client in Buck's Traction.