The nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a patient who has an upper extremity amputation. The nurse understands that this can be more debilitating than a lower extremity amputation due to which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The upper extremity is more specialized, meaning that there are greater functional demands placed on that limb compared to the lower extremity. This can lead to more significant functional limitations post-amputation. While the upper extremity may also be more visible, and there may be greater blood supply to that limb, these factors are not as significant in contributing to the potential for greater debilitation compared to a lower extremity amputation. Prosthetic fitting may also be more complex for an upper extremity amputation, further contributing to functional limitations.

The Nurse Is Contributing to the Plan of Care for a Patient