Which of the following pre-operative assessments is essential for a patient scheduled for amputation?

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.

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.