A nurse is managing the basic care and comfort of an older adult client who is 48 hours postoperative following a right above-the-knee amputation. The client reports mild discomfort in the residual limb and requests that it be elevated on a soft pillow. Which of the following nursing actions is the most appropriate?
- Explain the importance of contracture prevention and assist the client into a prone position for 20 to 30 minutes.Cevap
- BElevate the residual limb on a soft pillow to decrease dependent edema and promote venous return.
- CDelegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) the task of assessing the residual limb for surgical site bleeding prior to repositioning.
- DReassure the client that decreased joint flexibility is a normal physiological change of aging and maintain the client in a high-Fowler's position.
Cevap
Explain the importance of contracture prevention and assist the client into a prone position for 20 to 30 minutes.
After the first 24 hours following a lower extremity amputation, elevating the residual limb on a pillow is strictly contraindicated as it promotes the development of hip flexion contractures. The most appropriate action is to assist the client into a prone position for 20 to 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day, to actively stretch the hip flexor muscles and prevent contractures, while explaining the rationale for this intervention to ensure client cooperation.
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Anahtar Kavram
Prevention of hip flexion contractures following lower extremity amputation