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

Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency where increased pressure within a muscle compartment compromises blood flow and can lead to tissue damage and permanent disability. In severe cases, where the condition is not relieved promptly, emergency amputation may be necessary to prevent further tissue damage and save the patient's life.

a. Acute appendicitis: Acute appendicitis is a condition involving inflammation of the appendix and typically requires surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy) but not amputation.
c. Urinary tract infection: A urinary tract infection is a common infection that is not an indication for amputation. It is usually treated with antibiotics.
d. Minor laceration: A minor laceration does not require amputation. It can typically be treated with wound care and, if needed, sutures or adhesive strips.

Administering pre-operative antibiotics is essential to prevent post-operative infection in a patient undergoing amputation. Prophylactic antibiotics are often given before the surgical procedure to reduce the risk of infection at the surgical site and promote successful wound healing.

b. Providing pre-operative analgesia: Providing pre-operative analgesia is important for pain management, but it is not directly related to preventing post-operative infection.
c. Ensuring proper patient positioning: Ensuring proper patient positioning is crucial for the surgical procedure's success and patient safety, but it is not directly related to preventing post-operative infection.
d. Educating the patient about post-operative exercises: Patient education about post-operative exercises is important for rehabilitation, but it does not directly prevent post-operative infection. Proper wound care and infection prevention protocols are more relevant to reducing the risk of infection.