What is a common complication that may occur in the immediate post-operative period after amputation?

The purpose of elevation in the post-operative care of a patient with a lower extremity amputation is to promote venous return and reduce swelling. Elevating the residual limb helps to decrease edema and improve blood flow, which can enhance healing and prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis.

b. To improve the patient's comfort and relaxation: While elevation may improve the patient's comfort, the primary purpose is to address physiological concerns related to venous return and swelling.
c. To encourage early ambulation and mobility: Ambulation and mobility are essential components of post-operative care, but the specific purpose of elevation is not related to encouraging early ambulation.
d. To protect the surgical incision from contamination: While protecting the surgical incision is important, elevation is not the primary method for this purpose. Dressings and wound care techniques are used to protect the surgical site from contamination.

Identifying pre-existing medical conditions and allergies is essential to assess the risk of post-operative infection and complications in a patient scheduled for amputation. Certain medical conditions and allergies can impact wound healing and increase the risk of surgical complications. By knowing the patient's medical history and allergies, the healthcare team can take appropriate measures to prevent potential problems and improve the patient's overall surgical outcome.

a. To determine the patient's ability to perform post-operative exercises: While identifying pre-existing conditions may provide some insight into the patient's functional abilities, it is not the primary reason for identifying medical conditions and allergies in this context.
b. To identify potential complications during the surgical procedure: Identifying pre-existing conditions is not primarily for identifying potential complications during the surgery itself. Pre-operative assessments and evaluations are conducted to ensure the patient's safety during the surgical procedure.
c. To tailor the prosthetic fitting and training: Identifying pre-existing conditions and allergies can be relevant for prosthetic fitting and training, but it is not the primary reason for identifying them.