VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Amputation
- ANSWER--the surgical or traumatic removal of a body part.
used to relieve symptoms, improve function, or save the persons life.
usually as a result of advanced PVD r/t DM, fulminating gas gangrene, crushing injuries,
electrical burns, frostbite, congenital deformities, chronic osteomylitis, or malignant
tumor.
level is determine by ciruclation of the limb and functional usefulness.
Amputations: Complications
- ANSWER---hemorrhage: r/t surgical severing of major blood vessels
-infections
-skin breakdown
-phantom limb pain: r/t disruption of peripheral nerve endings in the limb.
-flexion contracture of the hip: r/t positioning and protective flexion withdrawal pattern
associated with pain (encourage turning and position prone.)
Amputations: Promoting wound healing/Pre-prosthetic care
- ANSWER---handle limb gently
-residual limb shaping
-proper bandaging: wrap w/ ace from distal to proximal toward the heart to improve
venous return and decrease edema.
-massage
-toughening of the residual limb.
Amputations: Rehabilitation
- ANSWER--psychological support
prostheses fitting and use
physical therapy
vocational/occupational training and counseling
use a multidisciplinary team approach
, patient teaching.
Anterior Approach Surgery
- ANSWER--no special precautions post-op, smaller incision toward front of thigh.
don't have to cut tendons so there is less complications.
Assess the 5 P's of Neurovascular Assessment
- ANSWER--pain: should be decreasing
-on palpation, and on movement
pallor: pale skin or poor cap refill
paresthesia: pins and needles sensation
pulses: diminished or absent
paralysis: should be able to wiggle toes/fingers
Assessment of Amputation
- ANSWER--neurovascular status and function of affected extremity or residual limb and
the unaffected extremity.
-signs and symptoms of infection
-nutritional status
-concurrent health problems > diabetes, smoker?
-psychological status of coping
Assist with Ambulation
- ANSWER--canes: held on strong side of body. cane moves, then weak leg, then
strong leg.
crutches: weight bearing is no an axillae, it is on the hands > should not lean forward.
walker: provides greatest support and stability.
Associated Problems with Fractures
- ANSWER---pain
-loss of function
-deformity
-shortening of the extremity
-crepitus
-local swelling and discoloration
-diagnosis by x-ray
Auto Transfuser
- ANSWER--a drain that is used with excessive blood loss.
as is drains it pulls fluid out and filters out the RBCs and delivers a tranfusion to the
patient.