Which nursing intervention is essential to prevent skin breakdown in a patient with a lower extremity amputation who is using a prosthetic device?

Transmetatarsal amputation involves the surgical removal of the forefoot and toes while preserving the heel and ankle joint. It is commonly used for below-the-knee amputations, specifically for conditions that affect the toes and forefoot but spare the ankle joint.

a. Hip disarticulation: Hip disarticulation is a higher-level amputation that involves the removal of the entire lower limb at the hip joint. It is not commonly used for below-the-knee amputations.
c. Above-the-knee amputation: Above-the-knee amputation involves the removal of the entire lower limb above the knee joint. It is not used for below-the-knee amputations.
d. Syme amputation: Syme amputation involves the removal of the foot at the ankle joint while preserving the heel pad. It is used for specific conditions affecting the foot and ankle joint but is not a common choice for below-the-knee amputations.

During an amputation procedure, the bone stump is typically left intact to provide a stable base for prosthetic fitting. The muscles, nerves, and tendons are carefully dissected and secured to prevent complications and facilitate healing.

a. Muscles: While muscles are involved in the surgical procedure, they are typically resected to the appropriate level to accommodate the prosthetic device.
b. Nerves: Nerves are carefully dissected and secured during the amputation procedure to prevent neuromas and phantom limb pain but are not left intact for prosthetic fitting.
c. Tendons: Tendons are typically resected during the amputation procedure, and their positioning and attachment are crucial for proper wound closure and healing, but they are not left intact for prosthetic fitting.