What is the purpose of elevation in the post-operative care of a patient with a lower extremity amputation?
To promote venous return and reduce swelling
To improve the patient's comfort and relaxation
To encourage early ambulation and mobility
To protect the surgical incision from contamination
The Correct Answer is A
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.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Assessing the surgical incision for signs of infection is essential in the immediate post-operative period after amputation to detect any early signs of complications such as infection. Prompt identification and intervention can prevent further complications and promote healing.
a. Administering opioid pain medications regularly: While pain management is important after amputation, administering opioid pain medications regularly may lead to potential side effects and dependency. Pain medications should be given as needed and in response to the patient's pain level.
c. Encouraging the patient to perform active range of motion exercises: Active range of motion exercises may not be appropriate immediately after amputation due to wound healing and surgical site considerations. The focus in the immediate post-operative period is on wound care and monitoring.
d. Providing emotional support and counseling: Emotional support and counseling are essential for a patient who underwent amputation, but in the immediate post-operative period, the priority is on physical assessment and wound care.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The primary goal of surgical amputation is to remove the diseased or damaged tissue to promote healing and prevent the spread of infection. While pain relief and restoration of function are important considerations, the main purpose of amputation is to address the underlying condition and improve the patient's overall health and well-being.
a. To eliminate all pain and discomfort in the affected limb: While pain relief is a desired outcome of amputation, it is not always possible to eliminate all pain and discomfort. The goal is to manage pain effectively and improve the patient's quality of life.
b. To restore full function and mobility of the limb: Restoring full function and mobility may not always be achievable after amputation. The extent of functional restoration depends on various factors, including the level of amputation and the patient's overall health.
c. To achieve the most cosmetically appealing result: While achieving a cosmetically appealing result may be important for some patients, it is not the primary goal of amputation. The focus is on medical necessity and addressing the underlying condition.
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