During afternoon rounds on a rehabilitation unit, a practical nurse observes a client who is 72 hours post-transfemoral amputation of the right leg. The client is resting with the head of the bed elevated to 90 degrees, and the right residual limb is supported on two stacked pillows. The client states, 'My right hip feels extremely tight and stiff.' Which action should the practical nurse implement?
- AMaintain the pillows beneath the residual limb but lower the head of the bed to a flat position to reduce hip flexion.
- Remove the pillows from beneath the residual limb and assist the client into a prone position.Cevap
- CReplace the pillows with a trochanter roll positioned along the outer aspect of the right thigh while maintaining the 90-degree head elevation.
- DLower the head of the bed to a semi-Fowler's position and place a rolled towel beneath the right thigh to relieve joint tension.
Cevap
The practical nurse should remove the pillows from beneath the residual limb and assist the client into a prone position.
Following a transfemoral amputation, preventing a hip flexion contracture is a primary nursing priority. After the initial 24 to 48 hours, the residual limb should never be elevated on pillows, and sitting in high-Fowler's position should be minimized. Removing the pillows and assisting the client into a prone position actively stretches the shortened hip flexor muscles, preventing contracture formation and ensuring the client can eventually be fitted for a prosthesis.
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Post-operative positioning to prevent hip flexion contractures following transfemoral amputation
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