Amputations Exam Questions and Answers with Complete Solutions Latest Update Graded A+
why do older people have the highest incidence of amputation? - Answers The middle and older age-
groups have the highest incidence of amputation because of the effects of peripheral vascular disease
(PVD), atherosclerosis, and vascular changes related to diabetes mellitus.
when will you see amputation in young people? - Answers motor vehicle crashes, land mines, farm-
related injury
most older adults get amputations for what reason? - Answers PVD with DM
other reasons adults have - Answers trauma and thermal injuries, tumors, osteomyelitis, and congenital
limb disorders.
what kind of diagnostic studies may be performed before an amputation? - Answers An elevated white
blood cell (WBC) count with abnormal differential may indicate infection. Vascular tests such as
arteriography, Doppler studies, and venography provide information about the circulatory status of the
extremity.
what are two important considerations of the patient before completing an amputation? - Answers
Chronic illnesses and infection are important considerations before performing an amputation.
what is the goal of amputation? - Answers The goal of amputation surgery is to preserve extremity
length and function while removing all infected, pathologic, or ischemic tissue
what is a closed amputation and how is it generally done? - Answers A closed amputation is performed
to create a weight-bearing residual limb (or stump). An anterior skin flap with dissected soft tissue
padding covers the bony part of the residual limb. The skin flap is sutured posteriorly so that the suture
line will not be positioned in a weight-bearing area
Special care is necessary to prevent accumulation of ___ which can produce what? - Answers Special
care is necessary to prevent accumulation of drainage, which can produce pressure and harbor bacteria
that may cause infection.
what is disarticulation? - Answers Disarticulation is an amputation performed through a joint.
what is a symes amputation? - Answers Syme's amputation is a form of disarticulation at the ankle
what is an open amputation and what is the major indication? - Answers An open amputation leaves a
surface on the residual limb that is not covered with skin. This type of surgery is generally indicated for
control of actual or potential infection.
when is the wound closed for an open amputation? What is this also known as? - Answers The wound is
usually closed later by a second surgical procedure or closed by skin traction surrounding the residual
limb. This is often called a guillotine amputation
, what assessments should be included in my nursing assessment? - Answers preexisting illnesses because
most amputations are performed as a result of vascular problems. Assessment of vascular and
neurologic status is an important part of the assessment process
nursing diagnosis? - Answers • Disturbed body image related to loss of body part and impaired mobility
• Impaired skin integrity related to immobility and improperly fitted prosthesis
• Chronic pain related to phantom limb sensation or residual limb pain
• Impaired physical mobility related to amputation of lower limb
five goals of planning? - Answers (1) have adequate relief from the underlying health problem, (2) have
satisfactory pain control, (3) reach maximum rehabilitation potential with the use of a prosthesis (if
indicated), (4) cope with the body image changes, and (5) make satisfying lifestyle adjustments.
what can I teach patients to do to prevent the need for amputations? what if the patient cannot do this?
- Answers Teach patients with these problems to carefully examine their lower extremities daily for signs
of potential problems. If the patient cannot assume this responsibility, the caregiver should help.
Instruct patients and their caregivers to report changes in the feet or toes to the health care provider,
including changes in skin color or temperature, decrease or absence of sensation, tingling, burning pain,
or lesions.
What should I recognize as the nurse about what changes the patient is going through? - Answers It is
important for you to recognize the tremendous psychologic and social implications of an amputation.
The disruption in body image caused by an amputation often results in a patient going through the
grieving process
what do i reinforce with the pt before surgery? - Answers Before surgery, reinforce information that the
patient and caregiver have received about the reasons for the amputation, proposed prosthesis, and
mobility-training program.
what kind of exercises should the patient be doing? - Answers Instruct the patient in the performance of
upper extremity exercises such as push-ups in bed or the wheelchair to promote arm strength. This
instruction is essential for crutch walking and gait training.
Monitor individuals who undergo amputation as a result of a traumatic injury for what? - Answers
Monitor individuals who undergo amputation as a result of a traumatic injury for posttraumatic stress
disorder because they have had no time to prepare or perhaps even to participate in the decision to
have a limb amputated.
Carefully monitor the patient's vital signs and dressings for what? how should dressing changes be
done? - Answers Carefully monitor the patient's vital signs and dressings for hemorrhage in the
operative area. Careful attention to sterile technique during dressing changes reduces the potential for
wound infection.
why do older people have the highest incidence of amputation? - Answers The middle and older age-
groups have the highest incidence of amputation because of the effects of peripheral vascular disease
(PVD), atherosclerosis, and vascular changes related to diabetes mellitus.
when will you see amputation in young people? - Answers motor vehicle crashes, land mines, farm-
related injury
most older adults get amputations for what reason? - Answers PVD with DM
other reasons adults have - Answers trauma and thermal injuries, tumors, osteomyelitis, and congenital
limb disorders.
what kind of diagnostic studies may be performed before an amputation? - Answers An elevated white
blood cell (WBC) count with abnormal differential may indicate infection. Vascular tests such as
arteriography, Doppler studies, and venography provide information about the circulatory status of the
extremity.
what are two important considerations of the patient before completing an amputation? - Answers
Chronic illnesses and infection are important considerations before performing an amputation.
what is the goal of amputation? - Answers The goal of amputation surgery is to preserve extremity
length and function while removing all infected, pathologic, or ischemic tissue
what is a closed amputation and how is it generally done? - Answers A closed amputation is performed
to create a weight-bearing residual limb (or stump). An anterior skin flap with dissected soft tissue
padding covers the bony part of the residual limb. The skin flap is sutured posteriorly so that the suture
line will not be positioned in a weight-bearing area
Special care is necessary to prevent accumulation of ___ which can produce what? - Answers Special
care is necessary to prevent accumulation of drainage, which can produce pressure and harbor bacteria
that may cause infection.
what is disarticulation? - Answers Disarticulation is an amputation performed through a joint.
what is a symes amputation? - Answers Syme's amputation is a form of disarticulation at the ankle
what is an open amputation and what is the major indication? - Answers An open amputation leaves a
surface on the residual limb that is not covered with skin. This type of surgery is generally indicated for
control of actual or potential infection.
when is the wound closed for an open amputation? What is this also known as? - Answers The wound is
usually closed later by a second surgical procedure or closed by skin traction surrounding the residual
limb. This is often called a guillotine amputation
, what assessments should be included in my nursing assessment? - Answers preexisting illnesses because
most amputations are performed as a result of vascular problems. Assessment of vascular and
neurologic status is an important part of the assessment process
nursing diagnosis? - Answers • Disturbed body image related to loss of body part and impaired mobility
• Impaired skin integrity related to immobility and improperly fitted prosthesis
• Chronic pain related to phantom limb sensation or residual limb pain
• Impaired physical mobility related to amputation of lower limb
five goals of planning? - Answers (1) have adequate relief from the underlying health problem, (2) have
satisfactory pain control, (3) reach maximum rehabilitation potential with the use of a prosthesis (if
indicated), (4) cope with the body image changes, and (5) make satisfying lifestyle adjustments.
what can I teach patients to do to prevent the need for amputations? what if the patient cannot do this?
- Answers Teach patients with these problems to carefully examine their lower extremities daily for signs
of potential problems. If the patient cannot assume this responsibility, the caregiver should help.
Instruct patients and their caregivers to report changes in the feet or toes to the health care provider,
including changes in skin color or temperature, decrease or absence of sensation, tingling, burning pain,
or lesions.
What should I recognize as the nurse about what changes the patient is going through? - Answers It is
important for you to recognize the tremendous psychologic and social implications of an amputation.
The disruption in body image caused by an amputation often results in a patient going through the
grieving process
what do i reinforce with the pt before surgery? - Answers Before surgery, reinforce information that the
patient and caregiver have received about the reasons for the amputation, proposed prosthesis, and
mobility-training program.
what kind of exercises should the patient be doing? - Answers Instruct the patient in the performance of
upper extremity exercises such as push-ups in bed or the wheelchair to promote arm strength. This
instruction is essential for crutch walking and gait training.
Monitor individuals who undergo amputation as a result of a traumatic injury for what? - Answers
Monitor individuals who undergo amputation as a result of a traumatic injury for posttraumatic stress
disorder because they have had no time to prepare or perhaps even to participate in the decision to
have a limb amputated.
Carefully monitor the patient's vital signs and dressings for what? how should dressing changes be
done? - Answers Carefully monitor the patient's vital signs and dressings for hemorrhage in the
operative area. Careful attention to sterile technique during dressing changes reduces the potential for
wound infection.
