Final answer:
Clients in Buck's traction for a hip fracture should be monitored for complications such as blood clots, pneumonia, pressure sores, and urinary tract infections due to immobility. These complications can increase rates of morbidity and mortality, especially among elderly patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
A client with a fractured left hip who is in Buck's traction should be monitored for several expected complications due to immobility from the traction treatment. Complications can include the formation of blood clots that can result in respiratory failure if they lodge in the lungs, pneumonia from inadequate air exchange, pressure sores (bed sores), which can lead to infections, and urinary tract infections from prolonged catheterization. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be vigilant for these signs to ensure prompt management and to prevent further complications.
It is also noteworthy that hip fractures, particularly in the elderly, are often associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality due to these complications. The need for surgery and long-term mobility assistance, as well as the accompanying high healthcare costs, further underscore the seriousness of a fractured hip. The recovery process can be quite lengthy and may require extended stays in healthcare facilities or substantial home care.