The nurse is caring for a patient who had a below-the-elbow amputation. Which activity should the nurse encourage the patient to perform during the post-operative period to promote muscle strength and flexibility in the residual limb?
Lifting heavy weights with the residual limb
Performing active range of motion exercises
Keeping the residual limb immobile
Applying cold packs to the residual limb
The Correct Answer is B
Encouraging the patient to perform active range of motion exercises is important to promote muscle strength and flexibility in the residual limb after a below-the-elbow amputation. Active exercises engage the muscles and joints, preventing stiffness and maintaining function.
a. Lifting heavy weights with the residual limb: Lifting heavy weights with the residual limb may be contraindicated, especially in the immediate post-operative period, as it can strain the healing tissues and lead to injury.
c. Keeping the residual limb immobile: Keeping the residual limb immobile can lead to stiffness, weakness, and contractures. Active range of motion exercises are essential to maintain mobility and function.
d. Applying cold packs to the residual limb: Cold packs may be used for pain relief or to reduce swelling in the immediate post-operative period, but they are not specifically aimed at promoting muscle strength and flexibility in the residual limb. Active exercises are more appropriate for this purpose.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
During a below-the-knee amputation, the primary focus of the surgical technique is to preserve the ankle joint whenever possible. This allows for better functional outcomes and facilitates the use of a prosthetic device.
b. Removing all muscles from the affected limb: While some muscle tissue is removed during amputation, the goal is not to remove all muscles. Some muscles are retained to provide coverage over the bone stump and to facilitate prosthetic fitting.
c. Creating a cosmetic incision line: While cosmetic considerations may be taken into account, the primary focus of the surgical technique is not solely on creating a cosmetic incision line. The incision is made to ensure appropriate tissue healing and to prevent complications.
d. Resecting the tibia and fibula bones: In a below-the-knee amputation, the tibia and fibula bones are typically resected to the appropriate level to accommodate the prosthetic device, but the primary focus is on preserving the ankle joint when possible.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The primary goal of wound care in the post-operative period for a patient who underwent amputation is to promote tissue regeneration and wound healing. Proper wound care techniques, including dressing changes, are essential to create an optimal environment for healing and prevent infection.
a. Preventing pressure ulcers and skin breakdown: While pressure ulcers and skin breakdown are important considerations in post-operative care, they are not the primary goal of wound care specifically for amputation.
c. Removing all dressings to allow for air exposure: Dressings are typically used to protect the surgical site and promote healing by creating a moist wound environment. Removing all dressings for air exposure is not recommended as it can impede wound healing.
d. Applying topical antibiotics to the surgical site: While topical antibiotics may be used if there is an infection or as directed by the healthcare provider, applying them to the surgical site without proper indication can lead to antibiotic resistance and is not the primary goal of wound care for amputation.
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