A nurse is providing care for a client who had a right below-the-knee amputation 36 hours ago. The client reports mild discomfort and stiffness in the affected leg. Which nursing action is the most appropriate?
- Assist the client into a prone position for 20 to 30 minutes, three to four times a day.Cevap
- BElevate the residual limb on a pillow to decrease swelling and promote comfort.
- CInstruct the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to assess the skin integrity of the residual limb.
- DEncourage the client to sit in a bedside chair with the knees flexed for the majority of the day.
Cevap
The most appropriate action is to assist the client into a prone position for 20 to 30 minutes, three to four times a day.
Assisting the client into a prone position for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day is the correct intervention. This position actively stretches the flexor muscles of the hip and knee, which is a critical measure to prevent flexion contractures following a lower extremity amputation. Contractures can severely limit mobility and complicate or prevent the future use of a prosthesis.
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Anahtar Kavram
Prevention of flexion contractures post-amputation