Amputations

Question 1

amputations are performed at the most___ point that will heal.

why does the doc try to preserve the knee or elbow?

Answer 1

distal

so the movement of the prosthesis will appear more normal.

Question 2

Post op, what do we keep at the bedside?

Answer 2

a tourniquett in case of massive hemorrhage

Question 3

Post-op for the 1st 24 hours, how do we position the stump?

Answer 3

on a pillow or elevated (to keep leg from bleeding)

Question 4

post-op after 24 hours, how do we position the stump?

Answer 4

elevate the foot of the bed

Question 5

what happens if you keep the stump on a pillow for more than 24 hours?

Answer 5

can result in a hip contracture

Question 6

how do you prevent hip and knee contractures?

Answer 6

extension of the extremity

Question 7

what if you have a below the knee amputation… where are you worried about the contractures forming?

Answer 7

knee and hip

Question 8

what is a good position to have a below the knee amputee to get into several times per day that would force their hips and the knees to extend?

Answer 8

prone (lay on stomach)

Question 9

what is the first intervention to decrease phantom pain?

Answer 9

diversional activity (they will still get pain med).. on NCLEX, we want to do diversional activity first